Linear buckling analysis of unstiffened plates subjected to both patch load and bending moment

In this study, linear buckling analysis of unstiffened plates under interacting patch loading and bending moment is developed. The study focuses on estimation of the elastic critical load due to patch load, and concomitant linearly variable compressive stress in the normal direction, with analysis of mechanisms of plate instability. The present work proposes simple design equations for the elastic critical load of rectangular plates subjected to both patch load, and uniform compressive stress, and also patch load with linearly varying compressive stresses for the serviceability limit state. The proposed analytical relationship, obtained on the basis of parametric numerical analyses, is validated by comparing analytical predictions with experimental tests from the literature, and full numerical models; good agreement was obtained for practical situations in steel bridge design, such as the erection of steel bridges with the launching construction technique. In the launch phase, web panels of the open-section girders are subjected to concentrated loads applied to the lower flange, and considerable bending moment. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.