Experimental and numerical analysis of ultimate compressive strength of long-span stiffened panels

Abstract

Long-span stiffened panels, designed using girders with high webs and multi-web openings, are often used in the top of large spaces without inner columns, such as the theatre and the lounge in large passenger ships. This design, accompanied by in-tension pillars above the long-span stiffened panel, can decrease the deck deflection largely. In this paper, experimental and finite element analysis is performed of the ultimate compressive strength of two long-span stiffened panels subjected to combined uniaxial and lateral loads. The comparison of experimental results shows that the in-tension pillars only increase slightly the ultimate compressive strength of stiffened panel. The experimental results show agreement with the simulations performed by the ANSYS finite element solver. The validated numerical results illustrate the buckling and ultimate behaviour of long-span stiffened panels with their progressive collapse processes. The analysed ultimate loads are compared to the results calculated by seven existing empirical formulae. The finite element analysis also discusses the effect of girder openings on the ultimate compressive strength of the stiffened panel.