Flexural Capacity of Compact and Noncompact High-Performance Steel Plate Girders

Abstract

As a result of a cooperative research program between FHWA, the U.S. Navy, and the American Iron and Steel Institute, high-performance steels (HPSs) with yield strengths of 485 MPa [70 kips/in.² (ksi)] (HPS-70W) and 690 MPa (100 ksi) (HPS-100W) were developed. During the past 2 years, several bridges in the United States have used these new grades of steel. Because of a lack of test data, AASHTO specifications placed several limitations that prevent bridge designers from taking full advantage of HPSs. In response to AASHTO limitations, which preclude full use of the advantages that the HPS-70W and HPS-100W steels have to offer, research investigations were initiated at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lehigh University, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Partial results of research activities under way at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Lehigh University to remove design limitations related to the use of HPSs are presented.