Experimental Investigation on Flexural Response of Hybrid Steel Plate Girder.

Flexural tests were conducted on five full scale I-shaped steel beams, three hybrid and two homogeneous, with two aims: 1) validate the inelastic flexural behavior of hybrid girder that is manufactured using lower grade steel 2) simplify finite element (FE) analysis procedure, for further parametric studies, by neglecting residual stresses when symmetrical welding sequence is adopted. Effect of material properties and member slenderness on flexural strength, ductility, and failure mode shapes is discussed. It is also found that failure mode shape and expansion of plastic field are mainly influenced by slenderness of member. Load-deflection and moment rotation response in tests are closely matching with non-linear finite element study. Close match is also observed in failure mode shapes and plastic field expansion. Considerable reduction is observed in residual stresses in symmetrically welded sections as compared to sections welded without proper sequence. This validates non-linear FE analysis procedure by neglecting residual stresses. Test results are compared with prediction equations for flexural strength, rotation capacity available in literature. Test results are also compared with provisions in EN 1993-1-1 and IS 800. Moment gradient (3-P) and uniform moment (4-P) loading have been considered to ensure that results are equally applicable in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]