Transversally stiffened plate girders subjected to patch loading: Part 2. Additional numerical study and design proposal

In this paper, a mechanism solution aimed at reproducing the ultimate load capacity of steel plate girders subjected to patch loading is provided. This mechanism is particularly useful for the cases in which the steel plate girders present closely spaced transverse stiffeners. A thorough description of the influence of the transverse stiffening on the ultimate load capacity of girders subjected to patch loading is given partly herein and in a companion paper. Presently, the formulation provided in EN1993-1-5 underestimates the ultimate load capacity of girders presenting such geometrical proportion. Comparisons between numerical and theoretical results show the accuracy of the proposed model. The results obtained with such prediction prove structurally sound and enhance satisfactorily the current formulation of EN1993-1-5.

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► A model for reproducing the failure of girders subjected to patch loading is given.
► The model is based upon the first theorem of plastic collapse.
► The model is inferred mechanically from experimental and numerical observations.