Question

When only transverse stiffeners are provided and d/tw < 345 εf to meet compression flange buckling criteria, the range of c should be

(a) c ≥ 4.5d

(b) c > 3d

(c) c > 1.5d

(d) c < 1.5d

This question was posed to me during an online exam.

My question is taken from Proportioning of Web & Flanges topic in division Gantry Girders, Design of Plate Girders & Industrial Buildings of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

The correct choice is (d) c < 1.5d

The explanation is: To avoid buckling of compression flange into web, d/tw ≤ 345 εf^2 for c ≥ 1.5d, d/tw < 345 εf  for c < 1.5d when only transverse stiffeners are provided, where c is clear distance between stiffeners, d is depth of web, εf = √(250/fyf), fyf is yield stress of compression flange.