Effects of Longitudinal Stiffeners on Curved I-Girder Webs

Abstract

Two previous papers by the writers described the buckling and finite-displacement behavior of curved I-girder web panels without longitudinal stiffeners subjected to pure bending, presented a theoretically pure analytical model, and presented equations that describe the reduction in strength due to curvature. This paper describes the optimum location and strength effects of one and two longitudinal stiffeners attached to curved I-shaped plate girders. Using lateral load and lateral pressure analogies similar to that described in the earlier papers, strength reduction equations are formulated for curved plate girders with longitudinal stiffeners. A comprehensive comparison is made between the equations developed in this investigation and design equations used in Japanese and American design guides, and the applicability and superiority of the method is demonstrated.