COUPLED TESTS OF LATERAL-TORSIONAL BUCKLING AND WEB BUCKLING OF PLATE GIRDERS UNDER BENDING

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental researches on the coupled behavior of lateral-torsional buckling and web buckling of transversely stiffened plate girders. The cross-sectional dimensions of all the six specimens were proportioned to prevent from local torsional buckling of compression flange, and the web width-thickness ratio was kept constant being equal to 200 for mild steel which is over the current JRA upper limit, 152. Then the effect of preceded web buckling on the ultimate strength of girders failed by lateral-torsional buckling is investigated. In-plane bending strength was also examined. The test results are also compared with those for girders with the web width-thickness ratio smaller than the JRA limit.