Stability of plates and plated structures

Abstract This paper is aimed at presenting two main aspects of the design rules of Part 1.5 of ENV 1993-3 (ENV 1993-1-5. Eurocode 3–Design of steel structures: part 1.5: Supplementary rules for planar plated structures without transverse loading. Brussels: CEN, 1997), which result from some research efforts conducted in the last decade. Also some background to these rules is given. First, the resistance of plates subjected to direct stresses is examined. It is based on the consideration of two types of behaviour (platelike and columnlike behaviour) with a possible interaction between both. The general procedure can be simplified a bit when there are a very few number of longitudinal stiffeners. Second, the resistance to shear stresses of an unstiffened plate as well as the effect of longitudinal stiffeners are commented on. The fatigue resistance to web breathing is a topic that is not satisfactorily covered by the codes. However, substantial progress was achieved in the field, and this is briefly commented on. When design rules are concerned, not only are they reported on, but also a critical evaluation is made and possibly some tracks are proposed in order to improve them.