Question

Bearing stiffness are provided in a plate girder to ........

• A. reduce the weight of the girder
• B. resist bending moments in the flange
• C. transfer concentrated loads and prevent web buckling
• D. connect the flange plates to the web

Hint:

The web of a plate girder is designed to resist shear stresses, and providing bearing stiffness in the girder helps prevent buckling and ensures the efficient transfer of loads.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In a plate girder, bearing stiffness is primarily provided to transfer concentrated loads and prevent web buckling. The web of the girder is subjected to shear stresses, and providing adequate bearing stiffness helps in distributing these loads effectively, which in turn prevents local buckling of the web under concentrated loads. This ensures the structural integrity of the girder.