Ultimate strength of Y and T stiffeners subjected to lateral loads with three different levels of initial imperfection

This paper aims to compare between ultimate strength of T and Y stiffeners when subjected to lateral load. Two groups of Y and T stiffeners are studied. In the first group, T stiffeners with standard dimensions are compared with Y stiffeners having the same section modulus, attached plate and weight. The plates of both types of stiffeners are subjected to uniform pressure. In the second group, both T and Y stiffeners share the same section modulus with different attached plate and weight, and a pressure load is applied to a small central area of the plate. The results are shown in 2 sets of curves. In the first set, perfect T stiffeners are compared with perfect Y stiffeners. In the second set, imperfect T stiffeners are compared with imperfect Y stiffeners. Also, perfect and imperfect T stiffeners are compared as well as perfect Y and imperfect Y stiffeners. Five perfect models of T and Y stiffeners having different dimensions with three levels of initial imperfections are studied in the two groups. Nine imperfect models branch from each of the five perfect models for both groups; 200 models are obtained and results from the FE analysis are shown in the form of load–displacement curves.

► Simply supported perfect T and Y stiffeners are assumed. ► The section modulus, attached plate and weight of stiffeners are comparison parameters. ► Subjected to lateral load, two different groups of comparison parameters are assumed. ► Ultimate strength is the main comparison result between stiffeners. ► Y stiffeners are a suitable option for ship structures subjected to lateral loads.