Theoretical and experimental investigations concerning the patch loading on girders

This paper describes some results of the experimental and theoretical investigations concerning behaviour of plate girders subjected to a localized edge load (patch load) carried out during more than two decades in Serbia and Montenegro. Several aspects of this complex problem have been analyzed. In the first part local and overall stability of girders with long span is considered. The simple approximate solution for local buckling based on assumed collapse mechanism is given. The investigation of overall instability presents behaviour of slender plate girders with distortional instability. In the following part slender plate girders with short span are considered. Experimental research of the girders subjected to centric and eccentric loading is described and main observations and conclusions are given. In the final part the analysis of the ultimate load behaviour of plate girders with longitudinal stiffeners is also given.