Question

What is the stiff bearing length?

(a) length which cannot deform appreciably in bending

(b) length which deform appreciably in bending

(c) length of outer end of flange

(d) length of web

The question was posed to me in an international level competition.

The origin of the question is Stiffeners topic in division Gantry Girders, Design of Plate Girders & Industrial Buildings of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) length which cannot deform appreciably in bending

Explanation: The stiff bearing length of any element b1 is that length which cannot deform appreciably in bending. To determine b1, the dispersion of load through a steel bearing element should be taken as 45˚ through solid material, such as bearing plates, flange plates, etc.