Stiffener and Doubler Plates

[BAGW]

Hi guys,

What is the difference between Stiffener and Doubler plates? Doesnt both serve the same purposes?

 

[KootK]

Stiffeners and doublers can do a lot of things depending on the situation. And there is some overlap. Here's a basic summary of the obvious stuff.

Stiffeners

Stiffeners take concentrated loads applied to the flanges and distribute them nice and smoothly across the web. This helps with failure modes such as web yielding and web crippling.

Doublers

Doublers increase the shear capacity of the web. They do this by adding additional shear and improving web shear buckling strength.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[BAretired]

Stiffener plates act in tension or compression whereas doubler plates act in shear.

BA