Ultimate strength of longitudinally stiffened I-girder webs subjected to combined patch loading and bending

A numerical study is performed to investigate the ultimate strength of I-girder webs subjected to the combined action of patch loading and bending moment. The study was conducted by means of nonlinear finite element analysis. Initial geometrical imperfections, plastic material behaviour and large deflection effects were considered in the model. The finite element model was validated against experimental results taken from the literature. A parametric study was carried out in order to investigate the influence of the magnitude of the bending moment and the relative location of the stiffener on the ultimate strength to patch loading. Furthermore, diagrams showing the interaction between the aforementioned parameters are presented.