Plates are structural components that are able to provide support beyond compressive collapse, i.e. in the post-buckling regime. To date the criterion used to define plate failure under compressive loading is the plate maximum load carrying capacity which is identified as the peak of the associated load versus plate end-shortening curve. Recent advances in structural analysis techniques, such as nonlinear finite element analysis, have enabled the reduction of uncertainty that is embedded into the behaviour and strength prediction of new and in-service structures. Consequently, a new criterion for ultimate plate compressive strength is suggested and justified. This criterion is based on the unloaded edge resultant stress reaching yield. It is considered to be a suitable threshold of serviceability based on the relation between drop of strength versus the gain in plate end-shortening. In practical terms this means that a plate will be able to work in an extended range of end-shortenings.
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