Elastic Analyses of Rectangular Trough Bunkers in Structural Steelwork

In a previous paper, full-scale and model tests on trough-shaped bunkers, rectangular in plan, were described, and experimental stresses were compared with those from conventional design and from an improved design method {which requires empirical allowances for the contribution of the plating to the longitudinal bending strength). This paper explains two theoretical solutions, the first allowing for shear panel action in the plating and overall hipped-plate behaviour in the bunker, the second utilizing a commercial space frame computer program allowing for in-filled panels. The results obtained compare favourably with those obtained previously by experiment and by the improved design method; either method may now be utilized to check and modify designs for this type of structure.

E. Lightfoot and J.K. Withrington