Shear Buckling Resistance of Corrugated Web Girders Reinforced with Tensioned Diagonal Braces

This study presents the analysis of shear buckling resistance of the corrugated web of SIN girders reinforced with tension diagonal braces. The analysis is based on the determination of interactive buckling resistance. Experimental investigations into shear buckling resistance were carried out using girders with the web height of 500, 1000 and 1500 mm. The girders were reinforced with tension diagonal braces located in the girder support zones, i.e. in the intervals in which the load produced by a shear force is greater than the web shear resistance. Load displacements paths LDPs P(y) and the results of strain gauge measurements of simply supported SIN girders were analysed. The girders employed in experimental investigations were modelled using FEM. On the basis of strain gauge measurements and separated load-displacements paths, shear buckling resistance of the corrugated web of SIN girders reinforced with tension diagonal braces was estimated. That was performed for the experiment and FEM analysis. It was demonstrated that tension diagonal braces increase the linear-elastic region of LDP P(y), thus causing an increase in the global buckling force that affects the value of the design shear buckling resistance of the web. The strengthening of girders with tension diagonal braces leads to an increase in shear stiffness of the system consisting of the web and diagonal braces. The results of investigation into shear buckling resistance were compared with those obtained using the method proposed for design buckling resistance estimation, and also the computational model in accordance with Eurocode.