Behavior of Curved I-Girder Webs Subjected to Combined Bending and Shear

Abstract

Two previous papers by the writers described the buckling and finite-displacement behavior of curved I-girder web panels 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 buckling and finite-displacement behavior of curved web panels under combined bending and shear. Unlike straight girder web panels, the addition of shear in curved panels is shown to increase the transverse “bulging” displacement of the web prior to buckling. The accompanying decrease in moment carrying capacity is analyzed in a manner similar to that used for the combined bending and shear nominal strength interaction for straight girder design. Preliminary recommendations are made toward forming design criteria for curved webs.