ABSTRACT
A total of 8 fundamental parameters characterize the behavior, including the strength and the deformation, of laterally loaded plate. Through dimensional analysis, these variables have been reduced to five nondimensional parameters of significance that have been used in this investigation so that the results may be applied to a wider range of problems. They are; load parameter Q = pE/(Fy2), plate slenderness parameter β= (b/t)(√(Fy/E), normalized deflection= δ/t, normalized total stress T = σt /Fy, and normalized membrane stress U = σm/Fy. A finite element model for the side wall plate, represented as a long plate was developed using the commercial multi-purpose nonlinear finite element program ADINA (2009). In order to simulate through thickness yielding, Newton-Cotes integration scheme with seven integration points were used in the thickness direction. Based on parametric analyses, the limiting load parameters corresponding to different stages of partial yielding and the corresponding normalized peak deflections (at midspan) and the normalized membrane stresses were established, and were graphically presented. Power law based trend line equations for these plots were generated for designer’s convenience and were also
shown in these graphs. Figure 1 shows a sample graph.
