ABSTRACT
In the case of dropped objects that may result in denting, Saad-Eldeen et al. (2015a) analysed the local and the global structural behaviour of rectangular steel plates with a local dent. Nonlinear finite element analyses have been performed to explore the effect of different dent depths on the ultimate strength and the post-collapse behaviour. The post-collapse modes were discussed and the change of the buckling mode for different plate thickness ranges was categorized. Based on this work a new formulation of the ultimate strength assessment was developed, which is capable to account for an initial global imperfection, residual stresses, openings, corrosion deterioration and existence of dents.
