Numerical parametric study on the impact of non-continuous longitudinal stiffening

In non-continuous stiffening, longitudinal stiffeners end within the panel, creating gaps before reaching transverse stiffeners or girder ends. This numerical parametric study examines a validated model subjected to uniform compression for ten imperfection patterns across 1080 geometric configurations, resulting in 10,800 GMNIAs. Findings refute the redundancy of imperfections due to eccentric loads and identify critical imperfection patterns. Stiffener stiffness minimally impacts ultimate loads. More stiffeners lower ultimate loads by restricting stress redistribution. Minimizing gap dimensions is recommended for optimal performance, indicating the need to update standards to include non-continuous stiffening. •Positive half-sin shape imperfections are critical; full-sin shapes for long panels.•Smaller gaps yield higher loads; stiffener’s relative stiffness has low impact.•More stiffeners reduce load factor; fewer stiffeners improve stress redistribution.