Inelastic response of simply supported i-girders subjected to weak axis bending

Abstract

Mechanical loads are widely used for straightening or curving steel girders used in buildings. In this operation, concentrated forces are applied to a girder on simple supports to induce permanent deformations about its weak axis. Closed form solutions are developed to define the load versus residual deflection response for the particular case in which simply supported symmetrical girders are bent by a single concentrated load or two equal concentrated loads. This chapter discusses the effect of cantilevered ends, a more common situation for fabricators, where bending is induced over shorter lengths using a movable bending fixture. A numerical example is included to explain the application of the equations derived. These equations permit optimization of the cold bending/straightening operation.