The Experts below are selected from a list of 636 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Chacón Flores, Rolando Antonio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Influencia de la longitud de carga concentrada sobre el coeficiente de pandeo de vigas esbeltas rigidizadas Longitudinalmente
'Universidad de Antioquia', 2019Co-Authors: Loaiza Nelson, Graciano Carlos, Chacón Flores, Rolando AntonioAbstract:Currently, one of the most used steel bridge assembly methods is the Incremental Launching Method (ILM). Its practical application consists in passing the bridge assembly through a launching shoe as well as over each support pile. For steel plate girders, a concentrate vertical reaction also known as patch loading is generated over one the flanges when ILM is employed, and depending on the geometrical and material properties of the girder, buckling failure in the web panel may occur. To overcome this type of failure, plate girders are reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the effect of the bearing length on the elastic buckling behavior of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs subjected to patch loading. Buckling coefficients of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs are calculated by means of linear finite element analysis. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is performed to study the influence of other geometric parameters such as the panel aspect ratio and the geometrical properties of the Longitudinal Stiffener on the buckling coefficient. The results show that for Longitudinally stiffened girder webs the buckling coefficient increases with the loading length. However, this conclusion is considerably affected by other factors such as the position of the Stiffener, and panel aspect ratios.Peer Reviewe
-
Influencia de la longitud de carga concentrada sobre el coeficiente de pandeo de vigas esbeltas rigidizadas Longitudinalmente
'Universidad de Antioquia', 2019Co-Authors: Loaiza Nelson, Graciano Carlos, Chacón Flores, Rolando AntonioAbstract:Currently, one of the most used steel bridge assembly methods is the Incremental Launching Method (ILM). Its practical application consists in passing the bridge assembly through a launching shoe as well as over each support pile. For steel plate girders, a concentrate vertical reaction also known as patch loading is generated over one the flanges when ILM is employed, and depending on the geometrical and material properties of the girder, buckling failure in the web panel may occur. To overcome this type of failure, plate girders are reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the effect of the bearing length on the elastic buckling behavior of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs subjected to patch loading. Buckling coefficients of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs are calculated by means of linear finite element analysis. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is performed to study the influence of other geometric parameters such as the panel aspect ratio and the geometrical properties of the Longitudinal Stiffener on the buckling coefficient. The results show that for Longitudinally stiffened girder webs the buckling coefficient increases with the loading length. However, this conclusion is considerably affected by other factors such as the position of the Stiffener, and panel aspect ratios.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
-
A comparative analysis of Longitudinal Stiffener cross-section for slender I-girders subjected to patch loading
'Wiley', 2017Co-Authors: Chacón Flores, Rolando Antonio, Graciano Carlos, Loaiza Nelson, Casanova EuroAbstract:In the construction of traditional composite bridges whose structure consists of plate girders, the concrete slabs of the decks are often casted before launching. These thin-walled webs are occasionally reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase bending and shear strengths, and for bridges erected by incremental launching, these Stiffeners also provide an enhancement for patch loading resistance. Experimental works have shown that ultimate resistance to patch loading is highly dependent on the size, relative position and shape of the Longitudinal Stiffener. Nonetheless, a comparison between those three factors should be carried out in order to establish the optimum configuration of Longitudinal stiffening for webs under compressive forces. Hence, this study attempts to compare the increase of ultimate strength of a slender I-girder subjected to concentrated load using open and closed section types of Stiffeners, evaluating three different Stiffeners configurations: i) a single open section Stiffener, ii) multiple open section Stiffeners, and iii) a single closed section Stiffener. The nonlinear computations were performed using a finite element analysis parametric model, where the relative position and size of the Stiffeners are varied to cover a wide range of geometries.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
-
A comparative analysis of Longitudinal Stiffener cross-section for slender I-girders subjected to patch loading
'Wiley', 2017Co-Authors: Chacón Flores, Rolando Antonio, Graciano Carlos, Loaiza Nelson, Casanova EuroAbstract:In the construction of traditional composite bridges whose structure consists of plate girders, the concrete slabs of the decks are often casted before launching. These thin-walled webs are occasionally reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase bending and shear strengths, and for bridges erected by incremental launching, these Stiffeners also provide an enhancement for patch loading resistance. Experimental works have shown that ultimate resistance to patch loading is highly dependent on the size, relative position and shape of the Longitudinal Stiffener. Nonetheless, a comparison between those three factors should be carried out in order to establish the optimum configuration of Longitudinal stiffening for webs under compressive forces. Hence, this study attempts to compare the increase of ultimate strength of a slender I-girder subjected to concentrated load using open and closed section types of Stiffeners, evaluating three different Stiffeners configurations: i) a single open section Stiffener, ii) multiple open section Stiffeners, and iii) a single closed section Stiffener. The nonlinear computations were performed using a finite element analysis parametric model, where the relative position and size of the Stiffeners are varied to cover a wide range of geometries.Peer Reviewe
Graciano Carlos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Influencia de la longitud de carga concentrada sobre el coeficiente de pandeo de vigas esbeltas rigidizadas Longitudinalmente
'Universidad de Antioquia', 2019Co-Authors: Loaiza Nelson, Graciano Carlos, Chacón Flores, Rolando AntonioAbstract:Currently, one of the most used steel bridge assembly methods is the Incremental Launching Method (ILM). Its practical application consists in passing the bridge assembly through a launching shoe as well as over each support pile. For steel plate girders, a concentrate vertical reaction also known as patch loading is generated over one the flanges when ILM is employed, and depending on the geometrical and material properties of the girder, buckling failure in the web panel may occur. To overcome this type of failure, plate girders are reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the effect of the bearing length on the elastic buckling behavior of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs subjected to patch loading. Buckling coefficients of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs are calculated by means of linear finite element analysis. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is performed to study the influence of other geometric parameters such as the panel aspect ratio and the geometrical properties of the Longitudinal Stiffener on the buckling coefficient. The results show that for Longitudinally stiffened girder webs the buckling coefficient increases with the loading length. However, this conclusion is considerably affected by other factors such as the position of the Stiffener, and panel aspect ratios.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
-
Influencia de la longitud de carga concentrada sobre el coeficiente de pandeo de vigas esbeltas rigidizadas Longitudinalmente
'Universidad de Antioquia', 2019Co-Authors: Loaiza Nelson, Graciano Carlos, Chacón Flores, Rolando AntonioAbstract:Currently, one of the most used steel bridge assembly methods is the Incremental Launching Method (ILM). Its practical application consists in passing the bridge assembly through a launching shoe as well as over each support pile. For steel plate girders, a concentrate vertical reaction also known as patch loading is generated over one the flanges when ILM is employed, and depending on the geometrical and material properties of the girder, buckling failure in the web panel may occur. To overcome this type of failure, plate girders are reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the effect of the bearing length on the elastic buckling behavior of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs subjected to patch loading. Buckling coefficients of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs are calculated by means of linear finite element analysis. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is performed to study the influence of other geometric parameters such as the panel aspect ratio and the geometrical properties of the Longitudinal Stiffener on the buckling coefficient. The results show that for Longitudinally stiffened girder webs the buckling coefficient increases with the loading length. However, this conclusion is considerably affected by other factors such as the position of the Stiffener, and panel aspect ratios.Peer Reviewe
-
A comparative analysis of Longitudinal Stiffener cross-section for slender I-girders subjected to patch loading
'Wiley', 2017Co-Authors: Chacón Flores, Rolando Antonio, Graciano Carlos, Loaiza Nelson, Casanova EuroAbstract:In the construction of traditional composite bridges whose structure consists of plate girders, the concrete slabs of the decks are often casted before launching. These thin-walled webs are occasionally reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase bending and shear strengths, and for bridges erected by incremental launching, these Stiffeners also provide an enhancement for patch loading resistance. Experimental works have shown that ultimate resistance to patch loading is highly dependent on the size, relative position and shape of the Longitudinal Stiffener. Nonetheless, a comparison between those three factors should be carried out in order to establish the optimum configuration of Longitudinal stiffening for webs under compressive forces. Hence, this study attempts to compare the increase of ultimate strength of a slender I-girder subjected to concentrated load using open and closed section types of Stiffeners, evaluating three different Stiffeners configurations: i) a single open section Stiffener, ii) multiple open section Stiffeners, and iii) a single closed section Stiffener. The nonlinear computations were performed using a finite element analysis parametric model, where the relative position and size of the Stiffeners are varied to cover a wide range of geometries.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
-
A comparative analysis of Longitudinal Stiffener cross-section for slender I-girders subjected to patch loading
'Wiley', 2017Co-Authors: Chacón Flores, Rolando Antonio, Graciano Carlos, Loaiza Nelson, Casanova EuroAbstract:In the construction of traditional composite bridges whose structure consists of plate girders, the concrete slabs of the decks are often casted before launching. These thin-walled webs are occasionally reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase bending and shear strengths, and for bridges erected by incremental launching, these Stiffeners also provide an enhancement for patch loading resistance. Experimental works have shown that ultimate resistance to patch loading is highly dependent on the size, relative position and shape of the Longitudinal Stiffener. Nonetheless, a comparison between those three factors should be carried out in order to establish the optimum configuration of Longitudinal stiffening for webs under compressive forces. Hence, this study attempts to compare the increase of ultimate strength of a slender I-girder subjected to concentrated load using open and closed section types of Stiffeners, evaluating three different Stiffeners configurations: i) a single open section Stiffener, ii) multiple open section Stiffeners, and iii) a single closed section Stiffener. The nonlinear computations were performed using a finite element analysis parametric model, where the relative position and size of the Stiffeners are varied to cover a wide range of geometries.Peer Reviewe
-
Effect of Longitudinal stiffening on bridge girder webs at incremental launching stage
Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Bogotá - Facultad de Ingeniería, 2015Co-Authors: Graciano Carlos, Zapata-medina, David G.Abstract:Patch loading is a predominant load case at incremental bridge launching. Bridge girder webs are frequently provided with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase in-service shear and bending strength, and its effect has been included in design codes. However, no straightforward rules are given to account for the influence of such Stiffeners on improving the patch loading resistance. This paper presents a review of some available formulae found in the literature to estimate the girder ultimate strength including the provisions of the European, American and Colombian design codes. Additionally, a nonlinear finite element analysis is conducted on three case studies related to actual launched bridges. The case studies are also used to study the influence of the Longitudinal Stiffener and girder depth on the girder capacity. Different load-displacement responses are observed depending on the girder depth. Finally, the finite element analysis shows to what extent the Longitudinal Stiffeners can increase the patch loading capacity of bridge girder webs during launching.Cargas concentradas son normalmente la condición de carga predominante durante el lanzamiento de puentes por empujes suce-sivos, por lo cual, las almas de las vigas del puente son frecuentemente rigidizadas con placas Longitudinales para incrementar la resistencia de servicio a cortante y flexión. Este efecto benéfico del rigidizador Longitudinal es tomado en cuenta por varios códigos de diseño. Sin embargo, no hay normas claras que indiquen como tener en cuenta la influencia de tales rigidizadores en el incre-mento de la resistencia bajo cargas concentradas. Este artículo, presenta una revisión de algunas de las formulaciones disponibles en la literatura técnica para el cálculo de cargas últimas de pandeo en vigas bajo cargas concentradas incluyendo los lineamientos de los códigos de diseño Europeo, Americano y Colombiano. Adicionalmente, se presenta un análisis no lineal por elementos finitos de tres casos de estudio concernientes con el lanzamiento de puentes. Los casos de estudio son también utilizados para estudiar la influencia del rigidizador y de la profundidad de la viga en la carga última. Se observaron diferentes respuestas carga-deformación dependiendo de la profundidad de la viga y se muestra hasta qué punto los rigidizadores Longitudinales pueden incrementar la capacidad de carga de vigas de puente durante su lanzamiento
Loaiza Nelson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Influencia de la longitud de carga concentrada sobre el coeficiente de pandeo de vigas esbeltas rigidizadas Longitudinalmente
'Universidad de Antioquia', 2019Co-Authors: Loaiza Nelson, Graciano Carlos, Chacón Flores, Rolando AntonioAbstract:Currently, one of the most used steel bridge assembly methods is the Incremental Launching Method (ILM). Its practical application consists in passing the bridge assembly through a launching shoe as well as over each support pile. For steel plate girders, a concentrate vertical reaction also known as patch loading is generated over one the flanges when ILM is employed, and depending on the geometrical and material properties of the girder, buckling failure in the web panel may occur. To overcome this type of failure, plate girders are reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the effect of the bearing length on the elastic buckling behavior of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs subjected to patch loading. Buckling coefficients of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs are calculated by means of linear finite element analysis. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is performed to study the influence of other geometric parameters such as the panel aspect ratio and the geometrical properties of the Longitudinal Stiffener on the buckling coefficient. The results show that for Longitudinally stiffened girder webs the buckling coefficient increases with the loading length. However, this conclusion is considerably affected by other factors such as the position of the Stiffener, and panel aspect ratios.Peer Reviewe
-
Influencia de la longitud de carga concentrada sobre el coeficiente de pandeo de vigas esbeltas rigidizadas Longitudinalmente
'Universidad de Antioquia', 2019Co-Authors: Loaiza Nelson, Graciano Carlos, Chacón Flores, Rolando AntonioAbstract:Currently, one of the most used steel bridge assembly methods is the Incremental Launching Method (ILM). Its practical application consists in passing the bridge assembly through a launching shoe as well as over each support pile. For steel plate girders, a concentrate vertical reaction also known as patch loading is generated over one the flanges when ILM is employed, and depending on the geometrical and material properties of the girder, buckling failure in the web panel may occur. To overcome this type of failure, plate girders are reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the effect of the bearing length on the elastic buckling behavior of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs subjected to patch loading. Buckling coefficients of Longitudinally stiffened girder webs are calculated by means of linear finite element analysis. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is performed to study the influence of other geometric parameters such as the panel aspect ratio and the geometrical properties of the Longitudinal Stiffener on the buckling coefficient. The results show that for Longitudinally stiffened girder webs the buckling coefficient increases with the loading length. However, this conclusion is considerably affected by other factors such as the position of the Stiffener, and panel aspect ratios.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
-
A comparative analysis of Longitudinal Stiffener cross-section for slender I-girders subjected to patch loading
'Wiley', 2017Co-Authors: Chacón Flores, Rolando Antonio, Graciano Carlos, Loaiza Nelson, Casanova EuroAbstract:In the construction of traditional composite bridges whose structure consists of plate girders, the concrete slabs of the decks are often casted before launching. These thin-walled webs are occasionally reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase bending and shear strengths, and for bridges erected by incremental launching, these Stiffeners also provide an enhancement for patch loading resistance. Experimental works have shown that ultimate resistance to patch loading is highly dependent on the size, relative position and shape of the Longitudinal Stiffener. Nonetheless, a comparison between those three factors should be carried out in order to establish the optimum configuration of Longitudinal stiffening for webs under compressive forces. Hence, this study attempts to compare the increase of ultimate strength of a slender I-girder subjected to concentrated load using open and closed section types of Stiffeners, evaluating three different Stiffeners configurations: i) a single open section Stiffener, ii) multiple open section Stiffeners, and iii) a single closed section Stiffener. The nonlinear computations were performed using a finite element analysis parametric model, where the relative position and size of the Stiffeners are varied to cover a wide range of geometries.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
-
A comparative analysis of Longitudinal Stiffener cross-section for slender I-girders subjected to patch loading
'Wiley', 2017Co-Authors: Chacón Flores, Rolando Antonio, Graciano Carlos, Loaiza Nelson, Casanova EuroAbstract:In the construction of traditional composite bridges whose structure consists of plate girders, the concrete slabs of the decks are often casted before launching. These thin-walled webs are occasionally reinforced with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase bending and shear strengths, and for bridges erected by incremental launching, these Stiffeners also provide an enhancement for patch loading resistance. Experimental works have shown that ultimate resistance to patch loading is highly dependent on the size, relative position and shape of the Longitudinal Stiffener. Nonetheless, a comparison between those three factors should be carried out in order to establish the optimum configuration of Longitudinal stiffening for webs under compressive forces. Hence, this study attempts to compare the increase of ultimate strength of a slender I-girder subjected to concentrated load using open and closed section types of Stiffeners, evaluating three different Stiffeners configurations: i) a single open section Stiffener, ii) multiple open section Stiffeners, and iii) a single closed section Stiffener. The nonlinear computations were performed using a finite element analysis parametric model, where the relative position and size of the Stiffeners are varied to cover a wide range of geometries.Peer Reviewe
Zapata-medina, David G. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Effect of Longitudinal stiffening on bridge girder webs at incremental launching stage
Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Bogotá - Facultad de Ingeniería, 2015Co-Authors: Graciano Carlos, Zapata-medina, David G.Abstract:Patch loading is a predominant load case at incremental bridge launching. Bridge girder webs are frequently provided with Longitudinal Stiffeners to increase in-service shear and bending strength, and its effect has been included in design codes. However, no straightforward rules are given to account for the influence of such Stiffeners on improving the patch loading resistance. This paper presents a review of some available formulae found in the literature to estimate the girder ultimate strength including the provisions of the European, American and Colombian design codes. Additionally, a nonlinear finite element analysis is conducted on three case studies related to actual launched bridges. The case studies are also used to study the influence of the Longitudinal Stiffener and girder depth on the girder capacity. Different load-displacement responses are observed depending on the girder depth. Finally, the finite element analysis shows to what extent the Longitudinal Stiffeners can increase the patch loading capacity of bridge girder webs during launching.Cargas concentradas son normalmente la condición de carga predominante durante el lanzamiento de puentes por empujes suce-sivos, por lo cual, las almas de las vigas del puente son frecuentemente rigidizadas con placas Longitudinales para incrementar la resistencia de servicio a cortante y flexión. Este efecto benéfico del rigidizador Longitudinal es tomado en cuenta por varios códigos de diseño. Sin embargo, no hay normas claras que indiquen como tener en cuenta la influencia de tales rigidizadores en el incre-mento de la resistencia bajo cargas concentradas. Este artículo, presenta una revisión de algunas de las formulaciones disponibles en la literatura técnica para el cálculo de cargas últimas de pandeo en vigas bajo cargas concentradas incluyendo los lineamientos de los códigos de diseño Europeo, Americano y Colombiano. Adicionalmente, se presenta un análisis no lineal por elementos finitos de tres casos de estudio concernientes con el lanzamiento de puentes. Los casos de estudio son también utilizados para estudiar la influencia del rigidizador y de la profundidad de la viga en la carga última. Se observaron diferentes respuestas carga-deformación dependiendo de la profundidad de la viga y se muestra hasta qué punto los rigidizadores Longitudinales pueden incrementar la capacidad de carga de vigas de puente durante su lanzamiento
Bedynek Agnieszka - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Structural behaviour of tapered steel plate girders subjected to shear
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 2014Co-Authors: Bedynek AgnieszkaAbstract:Tapered plate girders often form part of large-scale structures such as long continuous bridges or industrial buildings where due to considerable loads the higher resistance is required. There are several important reasons choosing non-prismatic girders. First of all, their tapered shape with gradually changing inertia allows for more effective stress distribution inside the web-panel and contributes to steel reduction and thereby to decrease the overall cost of the structure. Trapezoidal shape of such panels also may be desirable in structures with non-standard shape for example where pre-formed service openings are needed. Although rectangular plate girders were studied in many occasions in last few decades, the latest investigations have shown that the structural behaviour of tapered panels is more complex and different distribution of the internal forces takes place. Due to a lack of design rules for assessment of ultimate shear resistance of tapered plate structures with considerable angle of a slope (> 10 degrees), this research is focused on searching for a solution of the problem. The main body of the thesis is composed of four independent publications where each of them summarizes different phase of the research. The most relevant issues related to tapered panels discussed in the papers were: the critical shear load in tapered simple-supported plates, the influence of geometrical and structural imperfections, the optimal position of the Longitudinal Stiffener, the Resal effect, and finally the ultimate shear resistance of stiffened and unstiffened tapered plate girders. Nevertheless, the main objective of this work was the development of a reliable design tool to assess of the ultimate shear resistance of non-prismatic plate girders. The methodology applied in the research consists of the following stages: study of the bibliography and initial theoretical research, development of a numerical model, execution of two experimental programs, development of a wide parametric study, analysis of the experimental and numerical results, comparing them with those obtained according to EN 1993-1-5, and finally - development of a new design proposal for the assessment of the ultimate shear resistance for tapered steel plate girders. The PhD research was supported by two experimental programs focused on the structural behaviour of tapered plate girders. In the first program, transversally stiffened members subjected to shear and shear-bending interaction were tested. The second experimental program was focused on Longitudinally stiffened tapered plate girders under shear. Results obtained from the experimental tests were used for the verification of the numerical model. Plate girders reveal tendency to possess a significant post-buckling resistance. This phenomenon can be observed as a diagonal tension field developing within the web-panel. In both experimental tests and numerical analyses, this characteristic behaviour was observed. Using verified the numerical model, a wide parametric study for a large number of tapered plate girders was carried out. All numerical results presented in this research were compared with those obtained according to EN 1993-1-5 and discussed. Finally, a new design method for the assessment of the ultimate shear resistance of tapered steel plate girders was presented. The new design proposal is based on the currently valid - Rotated Stress Field Method. The procedure maintains its simplicity and improves considerably results obtained for non-prismatic panels. This new reliable design tool, valid for any geometry and any typology of tapered steel plate girders, provides a solution of the main objective defined in this researc
-
Structural behaviour of tapered steel plate girders subjected to shear
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 2014Co-Authors: Bedynek AgnieszkaAbstract:Tapered plate girders often form part of large-scale structures such as long continuous bridges or industrial buildings where due to considerable loads the higher resistance is required. There are several important reasons choosing non-prismatic girders. First of all, their tapered shape with gradually changing inertia allows for more effective stress distribution inside the web-panel and contributes to steel reduction and thereby to decrease the overall cost of the structure. Trapezoidal shape of such panels also may be desirable in structures with non-standard shape for example where pre-formed service openings are needed. Although rectangular plate girders were studied in many occasions in last few decades, the latest investigations have shown that the structural behaviour of tapered panels is more complex and different distribution of the internal forces takes place. Due to a lack of design rules for assessment of ultimate shear resistance of tapered plate structures with considerable angle of a slope (> 10 degrees), this research is focused on searching for a solution of the problem. The main body of the thesis is composed of four independent publications where each of them summarizes different phase of the research. The most relevant issues related to tapered panels discussed in the papers were: the critical shear load in tapered simple-supported plates, the influence of geometrical and structural imperfections, the optimal position of the Longitudinal Stiffener, the Resal effect, and finally the ultimate shear resistance of stiffened and unstiffened tapered plate girders. Nevertheless, the main objective of this work was the development of a reliable design tool to assess of the ultimate shear resistance of non-prismatic plate girders. The methodology applied in the research consists of the following stages: study of the bibliography and initial theoretical research, development of a numerical model, execution of two experimental programs, development of a wide parametric study, analysis of the experimental and numerical results, comparing them with those obtained according to EN 1993-1-5, and finally - development of a new design proposal for the assessment of the ultimate shear resistance for tapered steel plate girders. The PhD research was supported by two experimental programs focused on the structural behaviour of tapered plate girders. In the first program, transversally stiffened members subjected to shear and shear-bending interaction were tested. The second experimental program was focused on Longitudinally stiffened tapered plate girders under shear. Results obtained from the experimental tests were used for the verification of the numerical model. Plate girders reveal tendency to possess a significant post-buckling resistance. This phenomenon can be observed as a diagonal tension field developing within the web-panel. In both experimental tests and numerical analyses, this characteristic behaviour was observed. Using verified the numerical model, a wide parametric study for a large number of tapered plate girders was carried out. All numerical results presented in this research were compared with those obtained according to EN 1993-1-5 and discussed. Finally, a new design method for the assessment of the ultimate shear resistance of tapered steel plate girders was presented. The new design proposal is based on the currently valid - Rotated Stress Field Method. The procedure maintains its simplicity and improves considerably results obtained for non-prismatic panels. This new reliable design tool, valid for any geometry and any typology of tapered steel plate girders, provides a solution of the main objective defined in this researchPostprint (published version
