Abstract
This paper presents the shear strength of the horizontally curved plate girders based upon the experimental studies on 10 model girders by alternating radii of curvature, aspect ratio and slenderness ratio of web plates as well as stiffness ratio of transverse and longitudinal stiffeners. From these tests, the buckling strength of curved girder subjected to shear is inquired in comparison with ordinary straight girders. The postbuckling strength of curved girder is, moreover, clarified and the contributions of transverse and longitudinal stiffeners are made clear. Finally, the substantial factor of safety against the allowable shear strength provided with Japanese Specification for Highway Bridges are discussed in details.
