INFLUENCE OF END POST RIGIDITY ON THE COLLAPSE BEHAVIOR OF PLATE GIRDERS

The paper presents a theoretical solution which takes into account the strength of the end posts when calculating the ultimate load of end panels. The results of an extensive experimental study are also presented. The experimental behavior of the test girders is compared with the theoretical prediction obtained using the new theory. This establishes that the theory is capable of predicting accurately the physical behavior of the end panels of a plate girder. A simple method for the design of end posts is also presented.