Shear Resistance of Steel Plate Girder End Panels

This paper presents novel numerical investigations into the postbuckling behaviour of end panels under shear loading. The load–deformation behaviour and the plastic hinge mechanism of the end panels were studied to understand the effect of variation in geometric parameters such as end post and flange rigidity. It was found that a significant component of the postbuckling strength develops before the development of any of the plastic hinges in the end panel periphery, known as postbuckling phase 1 and the remaining postbuckling strength develops after web yielding during the formation of the plastic mechanism due to tension field action. This second part of the postbuckling strength develops at relatively higher girder deformations than typical serviceability limits. Hence, it is logical to limit the ultimate shear strength to the postbuckling phase 1. A shear design equation was proposed by excluding the tension field component of the postbuckling strength. The proposed design equation was evaluated and compared with predictions from the Indian, European and American design codes using a reliability analysis based on 27 existing experimental data available in the literature.