Postbuckling mechanics of square slender steel plates in pure shear: Examining the role of second order effects

Maria E. Moreyra Garlock, Spencer E. Quiel, José Aĺs-Moya, Jonathan Glassman

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Thin (slender) steel plates possess strength beyond the elastic buckling load which is commonly referred to as the postbuckling capacity. Semi-empirical equations based on experimental tests of plate girders have been used for decades to predict the ultimate postbuckling strength. However, several recent studies have shown that the current models for predicting the ultimate shear buckling capacity of thin plates are based on some incorrect assumptions of their mechanical behavior. As a result, the current design equations provide an approximate (albeit generally conservative) estimate of capacity based upon a range of test data parameters upon which they are founded. This paper explores the fundamental behavior of thin plates under pure shear. Such a fundamental examination of shear postbuckling behavior in thin plates is important because it will enable design procedures that can optimize a plate's shear strength and load-deformation performance for a wider range of loading and design parameters. Using finite element analyses (which are validated against available results of previous tests), outputs such as von Mises stresses, principal stresses, and principal stress directions are examined on both surfaces of a buckled plate acting in pure shear. The internal bending, shear, and axial stresses in the plate's finite elements are also evaluated. In this study, these evaluations are performed for a simply-supported plate with aspect ratio equal to 1.0 and slenderness equal to 134-future work will examine a wider range of plate parameters. Results show that localized bending in the plates due to the out-of-plane postbuckling deformations appear to be a significant factor in the ultimate shear buckling capacity of the plate. Also, the compressive stresses continue to increase beyond elastic buckling in some regions of the plate, contrary to current design assumptions. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanics of shear postbuckling behavior of thin plates that can be exploited for improved design modifications compared to designs currently allowed in current practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
StatePublished - 2017
EventAnnual Stability Conference Structural Stability Research Council 2017 - San Antonio, United States
Duration: Mar 21 2017Mar 24 2017

Other

OtherAnnual Stability Conference Structural Stability Research Council 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Antonio
Period3/21/173/24/17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Building and Construction
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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