Question

The modes of failure of plate girder are

(a) by yielding of compression flange only

(b) by buckling of tension flange only

(c) by yielding of tension flange and buckling of compression flange

(d) by yielding of compression flange and buckling of tension flange

This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question originated from Plate Girders & General Considerations in section Gantry Girders, Design of Plate Girders & Industrial Buildings of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Right answer is (c) by yielding of tension flange and buckling of compression flange

The best I can explain: The limit states considered for plate girder are yielding of tension flange and buckling of compression flange. The compression flange buckling can take place in various ways, such as vertical buckling into the web or flange local buckling. Flange buckling can also be caused due to lateral-torsional buckling.