Strength of I-girders with Delta stiffeners subjected to eccentric patch loading

In this paper the effects of Delta stiffeners on strength and behavior of I-girders subjected to eccentric patch loading has been investigated. To achieve the objectives extensive computer work has been carried out using the finite element method. The beams considered here had different geometry and stiffeners arrangement. The reliability of the numerical models and results are confirmed by comparison with experimental results which show good agreement. Furthermore, the results indicate that numerical models can be used to analysis different I-girders with different stiffeners. The results also show that Delta stiffeners are more efficient than other stiffeners, especially in the case of eccentric patch loading; also the capacity of critical patch loading of I-girders increases by about 95 percent compared to the other stiffened girder. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.