Nonlinear FE analysis of longitudinally stiffened girder webs under patch loading

The ultimate load behavior of longitudinally stiffened girder webs under patch loading is studied here by means of a nonlinear finite element analysis. Large-deflection effects and initial shape imperfections are taken into account. The influence of the slenderness of the directly loaded web panel on the patch loading capacity is studied in depth, together with the size of the loaded flange. In addition, the influence of stiffener rigidity is also analyzed. This study was aimed at finding an optimum position of longitudinal stiffeners for patch loading. Currently, designers use the value recommended for bending, i.e. one-fifth of girder depth. The results presented here show that a stiffener located closer than one-tenth of the girder depth significantly increases the load carrying capacity of the plate girder due to a decrease in the slenderness ratio of the web panel between the loaded flange and the longitudinal stiffener. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.