The influence of structural imperfections on the resistance of plate girders to patch loading

This paper presents an assessment of the influence of structural imperfections, namely, the residual stresses, on the ultimate load capacity of steel plate girders when subjected to patch loading. The basis of the research is a thorough comparison between numerical and experimental results as well as the recommendations for FE-modeling suggested by EN1993-1-5 (Annex C). A systematic exploit of a properly validated numerical model has been used in this study. Several residual stress patterns found in the literature have been implemented in numerical simulations of four different tests on girders subjected to patch loading. On such a basis, an appraisal of the influence of the structural imperfections on the ultimate load capacity of girders subjected to patch loading is presented.

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► Steel plate girders can be designed with FE-analyses according to EN1993-1-5-C.
► Steel plate girders are usually subjected to concentrated loads when launched.
► FE design of plate girders requires assumptions concerning structural imperfections.
► The sensitivity of girders to structural imperfections is studied.
► It is observed that such assumptions do not play a decisive role in girders design.