Modeling a penetration near a beam has the effect of limiting the effective flange width. For a penetration near the midspan of the beam, the effective flange width on that side of the beam is limited to the distance from the beam centerline to the edge of the penetration. For penetrations placed near the end of the beam, an algorithm is employed which determines the approximate influence on the effective flange width.

For more information about Limiting Effective Flange Width, see the Technical Notes chapter of the RAM Steel Beam Design manual.