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Assessment of flat deck metallic plates-Yield line and membrane analyses

This paper addresses the conservatism associated with the use of present UK standards, which are based on elastic methods, for the assessment of flat deck metallic plates in bridges. More advanced methods, utilising plastic behaviour, for the analyses of such plates are proposed and shown to have considerable potential in preventing unnecessary strengthening or repair actions in old metallic bridges with low assessment ratings obtained from the present assessment codes. These methods were developed jointly with practising engineers who are engaged in improving assessment practice and optimising the prioritisation of maintenance funds.