A generalised effective width method for plates loaded in compression

In recent years there have been a number of notable theoretical studies which have provided extensive load-shortening curves for rectangular plates loaded in compression along their transverse edges. These studies have provided engineers with a clear understanding of the effects which initial out-of-plane deformations and residual stresses have upon the behaviour of plates loaded in compression. The present paper shows how the information provided by these load-shortening curves can be utilised to provide effective width expressions. This will enable this latest research information to be incorporated in those existing design methods which utilise an effective width approach. One important benefit of the present study is that whereas earlier effective width formulae only provided information on the load-carrying capacity of a plate up to its peak load, the proposed method enables the post peak load behaviour of a compressed plate to be readily calculated.