AN EQUILIBRIUM METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE STRENGTH OF PLATE GIRDERS WITH REINFORCED WEB OPENINGS

Ultimate load tests on 34 web panels containing reinforced openings are presented and discussed. Based on the observed failure mechanism, a theoretical method for calculating the ultimate shear capacity of plate girders with reinforced web holes is proposed as the sum of four contributing factors: (I) the elastic critical load; (II) the load carried by the membrane tension in the web in the post-critical stage; (III) the load carried by the flange; and (IV) the load carried by the reinforcement. The elastic critical loads in shear are evaluated by using approximate formulae derived from a finite element analysis. The membrane stresses are calculated by using the Von Mises yield criterion; the contributions of the flanges and of the reinforcement are obtained from their plastic moment capacities. The validity of the theoretical method is confirmed by comparing the observed tests results with the theoretical predictions using the analytical model described in the paper. The theoretical and experimental investigations are confined to webs subjected predominantly to shear and do not apply when high bending moments are present. A suitable procedure for designing reinforcement for circular and rectangular web openings is suggested, using the theoretical models proposed in the paper. (Author/TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Thomas Telford Limited

  London,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Narayanan, R
  • Der-avanessian, NGV
• Conference:
  • Institution of Civil Engineers, Proceedings, Pt2
• Publication Date: 1984-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 107-137
• Serial:
  • Volume: 77

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Breaking loads; Bridges; Buckling; Design; Design methods; Engineering moments; Equilibrium methods; Flanges; Girders; Load tests; Material reinforcement; Plasticity; Plate girders; Shear strength; Stiffeners (Plates); Stiffness; Strength of materials; Stresses; Tests; Validity; Volatility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Membranes
• Old TRIS Terms: Equilibrium methods (Structural); Membranes (Biology); Moments; Web (Beam)
• ITRD Terms: 3472: Beam; 9001: Behaviour; 5522: Buckling; 9011: Design (overall design); 3435: Stiffener (bridge); 5931: Stiffness; 5544: Strength (mater); 6255: Test
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00388911
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 30 1984 12:00AM