Description
The object of this study is verification of component-based finite element method (CBFEM) for a class 4 triangular haunch without a flange and a class 4 triangular haunch with a flange with reduced stiffness with research FEM model (RFEM) and design FEM model (DFEM).
Experimental investigation
Experimental results of six specimens of haunches with and without flanges are presented. Three specimens are without flanges and three specimens are supported by additional flanges. Unstiffened specimens differ in the web thickness tw and the web width bw. Reinforced specimens differ in the web thickness tw, the flange thickness tf, and the flange width bf. The dimensions of specimens are summarized in Tab. 6.1.1. The test set-up for the specimen without a flange is shown in Fig. 6.1.1 (top) and for the specimen with a flange in Fig. 6.1.1 (bottom). Material characteristics of the steel plates are summed up in Tab. 6.1.2.
\[ \textsf{\textit{\footnotesize{Fig. 6.1.1 Specimens geometry and test set-up}}}\]
Tab. 6.1.1 Examples overview
Tab. 6.1.2 Material characteristics used in numerical models
Research FEM model
Research FEM model (RFEM) is used to verify the DFEM model and is validated on the experiments. In the numerical model, 4-node quadrilateral shell elements with nodes at their corners are applied, with a maximum side length of 10 mm. Materially and geometrically nonlinear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA) is applied. Equivalent geometric imperfections are derived from the first buckling mode, and the amplitude is set according to Annex C of EN 1993-1-5:2006. Numerical models are shown in Fig. 6.1.2.
