Shear capacity of steel plate girders with large web openings, Part I: Modeling and simulations

Numerical simulations are carried out in order to provide data for the development of a design model for the shear capacity of steel girders with web openings, with and without transverse stiffeners and opening reinforcements. The numerical model is designed such that the girder is in a state of pure shear at the opening center. Results are presented in terms of ultimate shear capacity and distribution of transverse web deformations and von Mises stresses. Based on the numerical data, a design model is presented that accounts for the reduction in web shear area, shear buckling of the web and the effect of opening position, vertical stiffeners and opening reinforcements.