A theoretical model for collapse of plate girders with perforated webs

Abstract

The ultimate strength of plate girders with perforated webs under shearing and bending is investigated. The girders considered are transversely stiffened panels with aspect ratios (b/d) between 0.7 and 1.5. The holes in the webs are centrally located and they are of circular, rectangular and elongated shapes. The ultimate strength is determined using a theoretical model developed on the basis of stress fields and loading-carrying mechanism observed experimentally from test results and numerically from finite element calculations simplified to allow for the variation in panel and hole size. The predictions obtained from the theory are compared with experimental and numerical results available, and it is found that the theory provides reasonably accurate estimate