A parametric study on the longitudinal stiffeners of web panels

Optimum location and dimensions of longitudinal stiffeners in web plates under in-plane bending are investigated. This parametric study is performed by numerical simulation utilizing finite element method. Several plates having various aspect ratios are analyzed and an equation for minimum required second moment of area of stiffeners is presented and compared to that recommended by AASHTO. Also, it is shown that the optimum location of stiffener mainly depends on its relative flexural rigidity.