Plate girders are often used in structures having spans more than 15-20m. Normal plate girders are provided with intermediate and edge stiffeners, to utilize the post buckling strength of the webs. However, they are often expensive due to additional fabrication and welding. Moreover the detailing has to be proper-otherwise their fatigue strength may be reduced. Recent innovations like hybrid girders and corrugated webs coupled with the developments in automatic welding processes have made these girders economical, aesthetic, and faster to fabricate and erect. They offer as viable alternates to reinforced concrete beams in numerous types of long span structures.
Dr. N. Subramanian Consulting Engineer, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Introduction
A plate girder is basically an I-beam built up from plates using riveting or welding. It is a deep flexural member that can carry loads which cannot be economically carried by rolled beams. Standard rolled sections may be adequate for many of the usual structures; but in situations where the load is heavier and the span is also large, the designer has the following choices, (Fig.1).This is a premium article available exclusively for our subscribers.
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