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Experimentally investigating the structural capacity of slender web tapered built up plate girder with web opening

  • 0Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11535, Egypt.
Scientific Reports +

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August 1, 2025

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August 1, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a new formula for calculating the web capacity of tapered plate girders with web openings. The novel equation improves design accuracy for these essential structural components.

Area Of Science

  • Structural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Science

Background

  • Built-up plate girders are crucial in structures requiring high strength and stiffness.
  • Tapered plate girders optimize material use by varying web depth.
  • Web openings are common for utilities and weight reduction but pose design challenges for tapered girders.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a novel equation for estimating the web capacity of tapered plate girders with web openings.
  • To address the lack of established predictive models for this specific structural configuration.
  • To improve the accuracy and reliability of design methods for steel structures.

Main Methods

  • Development of a new analytical equation incorporating panel aspect ratio, web opening size, and tapering ratio.
  • Validation of the proposed equation against experimental results.
  • Comparative analysis of the new equation with existing design codes and previous research methodologies.

Main Results

  • The novel equation demonstrated a maximum error of 8% when validated against experimental data.
  • Existing design standards showed significant discrepancies, underestimating capacity by up to 58% or overestimating by up to 45%.
  • The proposed formula offers a substantial improvement in predicting the web capacity of tapered plate girders with web openings.

Conclusions

  • The developed equation provides a more accurate and reliable method for designing tapered plate girders with web openings.
  • Current design standards are insufficient for accurately assessing the web capacity of these specific structural elements.
  • Further research can refine the equation by expanding parameter ranges and incorporating additional geometric and loading factors.

Keywords:

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