An experimental study of the ultimate load behaviour of small-scale steel box girder models with web openings

An experimental study of the ultimate load behaviour of small-scale steel box girder models is described. The models were subjected either to predominant shear or pure bending loads and, in the latter case, openings were introduced into the webs of two of the models. The effects of these openings are shown to be small. Simple theories are applied and are shown to give reasonably accurate predictions of the failure loads.