Behaviour of Plate Girders Subjected to Combined Bending and Shear Loading

Theoretical predictions regarding the ultimate resistance of slender plate girders to applied shear loading, based on existing theories and formulas, show close correlation with the test data presented. When a plate girder is subjected to a bending moment in addition to shear, the determination of the ultimate resistance becomes more complex. Herein, an interaction formula for the ultimate resistance of slender plate girders to combined bending and shear loading is proposed, which shows satisfactory correlation with the available theories and which is acceptable for practical purposes. The proposed interaction equation covers web panel aspect ratios, b(w)/d(w), from 1 to 2 and slender ratios, d(w)/t(w), from 150 to 300.