Some points of structural interest at Calder Hall 'A' nuclear power station

Using a stress/strain curve closely representative of the true material properties, the moment/curvature relationship in the elasto-plastic range has been obtained for a batch of rolled steel joists used in the construction of two half-scale rectangular portal frames tested to destruction under combined vertical and horizontal loads. This information forms the basis for an accurate theoretical determination of bending moment distributions and deformations at or near the collapse load as determined by the simple plastic theory. Professor J. W. Roderick

Dr. W. G. GODDEN commented that the problem of both transverse and axial forces acting on a laterally unbraced arch rib within the range of elastic action raised two important issues, namely, the application of Southwell’s method, and the evaluation of stress from an assumed deflection profile.