• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.26 no.4A
• /
• pp.735-742
• /
• 2006

In this study, the ultimate shear strength behavior of transversely stiffened curved web panels was investigated through nonlinear finite element analysis. It was found that if the transverse stiffener has a sufficient rigidity, then curved web panels used in practical designs are able to develop the postbuckling strength that is equivalent to that of straight girder web panels having the same dimensional and material properties. The nonlinear analysis results indicate that in order for curved web panels to develop the potential postbuckling strength. The rigidity of the transverse stiffener needs to be increased several times the value obtained from the Guide Specifications (AASHTO, 2003). However, in the case of thick web panels where the shear design is governed by shear yielding, the stiffener rigidity does not have to be increased. From the analysis results, a simple design formula is suggested for the rigidity of transverse stiffener under strength limit state.