Shear Resistance of Transversely Stiffened Steel I-Girders

This paper evaluates the accuracy and ease of use of 12 of the most promising models for the shear resistance of transversely stiffened steel I-girders. Several models that are well established in civil engineering practice as well as a number of other recently proposed models are considered. As the model developed in Basler’s seminal research is the method of choice in current American practice, the paper focuses on the merits and limitations of the alternative models relative to Basler’s. Statistical analyses are conducted on the predictions by the various models using an updated data set from 129 experimental shear tests, including 30 hybrid and 11 horizontally curved I-girders. The results support the conclusion that the form of Basler’s model implemented in 2004 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and 2005 AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings gives the best combination of accuracy and simplicity for calculation of the shear resistance of transversely stiffened steel I-girders.