The design method especially for the required area of the intermediate transverse stiffener in AASHTO specifications, which is based upon Basler(1963), has been known to be conservative since the inception of the ultimate strength design of the shear ...
The design method especially for the required area of the intermediate transverse stiffener in AASHTO specifications, which is based upon Basler(1963), has been known to be conservative since the inception of the ultimate strength design of the shear web panel. Basler formulated the design equation under the assumption that diagonal tension developed in the postbuckling range must be supported by the transverse stiffener. It often results in too heavy stiffeners. Bjorhovde(1980) inferred the conservatism from underestimation of the extent of web participation with the transverse stiffener in resisting diagonal tensions (and/or from incorrect evaluation of the effective length of the stiffener acting as a column), and recommended that research be conducted for rational design rules. However, probably due to lack of research, the equation for the required area remains in force without any fundamental changes.
Recently Lee, Yoo and Yoon(1999) carried out nonlinear finite element analysis to investigate the behavior of the transverse stiffener in the postbuckling range. The results of the finite element analysis indicated that no direct compression is developed in the transverse stiffener and as a consequence, the current design equation for the required area does not have any meaningful relationships with the ultimate strength of the web panel. Therefore, it seems that the area requirement of the transverse stiffener can be voided.
In the present study, experimental analysis was conducted in order to testify the results of the finite element study by Lee, Yoo and Yoon(1999). It was found that the results of the present experimental investigation support the nonlinear finite element study.
Finally it is recommended that further experimental and analytical research should be conducted In order to develop rational design method for the transverse stiffener.