Question

Which of the statement is not true about intermediate stiffeners?

(a) they reduce shear capacity of web

(b) they improve shear capacity of web

(c) they can be used to develop tension field action

(d) their main purpose is to provide stiffness to the web

This question was addressed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.

My question is based upon Plate Girders & General Considerations in portion Gantry Girders, Design of Plate Girders & Industrial Buildings of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) they reduce shear capacity of web

The best explanation: Intermediate stiffeners can be used to develop tension field action and improve shear capacity of web. The main purpose of these stiffeners is to provide stiffness to the web rather than to resist the applied loads. Additional stiffeners called bearing stiffeners are provided at points of concentrated loads to protect the web from the direct compressive loads.