tension field action plate girder- latest code

[rfied112]

Regarding plate girder design with stiffeners, previously to be allowed tension field action the panel aspect ratio a/h had to be less than 3.0 and the codes listed an 'arbitrary" fabrication handling suggestion of aspect ratio< 260/ (h/t)2.

AISC 2005 Commentary G4 now defines the 260/ (h/t)2 as MANDATORY to allow tension field action. Anyone have any ideas on this discrepancy???

 

[WillisV]

rfied112 - where in the 3rd edition did it state that the ratio was a suggestion - in G3 it is a specific requirement. This specific requirement is carried over into the 13eth edition in G3.1(b).

 

[haynewp]

It was the same requirement in LRFD 2nd-G3.