Evaluation of N-M-V interaction in steel plate girders

Abstract

This paper addresses the buckling resistance of transversally stiffened steel plate girders subjected to combined axial force, bending moment, and shear. A total of 6 000 GMNIA finite element simulations were performed and validated against EN 1993-1-5 resistance models. Current standard provisions display discontinuities for fully compressed webs, preventing stress redistribution and leading to conservative predictions. A new N-M-V interaction formulation is proposed, producing continuous resistance surfaces, improved accuracy, and reduced scatter. Statistical evaluation confirms lower variability and Eurocode-compliant reliability, enabling more efficient plate girders design.