Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the patch loading resistance of steel plate girders with triangular cell flanges. This geometrical arrangement increases considerably the resistance of the web plates when subjected to concentrated loading. In this study, the patch loading resistance is studied by means of GMNI-analyses considering large displacements, elastoplastic material behavior, initial geometric imperfections, and an assumed pattern of residual stress distribution. The numerical model is validated against experimental results taken from the literature. Thereafter, a parametric study is conducted in order to investigate the influence of various geometric parameters such as the location in the web and flange as well as the thickness of the plates that forms the triangular cells, and the panel aspect ratio on the resistance of the stiffened girders. A design proposal is also presented following the guideline in the EC3:1-5. This proposal takes into account the influence of the stiffening effect provided by the triangular cell flanges. The results show that the use of triangular cell flanges enhances the resistance of steel plate girders to patch loading.