New Shear Design Criteria for Plate Girders

Shear design of steel plate girders has been one of the most controversial subjects in structural design. There have been a number of competing theories as to the postbuckling behavior of the plate girder web panels and how to assess the ultimate shear strength of plate girders. The shear design provisions differ from code to code. In this study, a review of existing shear failure theories is made. In addition, the shear design provisions specified in AASHTO LRFD and AISC specifications are examined. The AASHTO and AISC Specifications still contain remnants of unproven theoretical results. New shear design criteria are proposed for a more rational assessment of the design shear strength of steel plate girders and the design of the transverse stiffeners.

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