Static strength of plate trunnions subjected to shear loads - Part II. Computational study and design considerations

Abstract

Results from a computational study on the behaviour of plate trunnions subjected to shear loads are presented in this paper. The experimental study on nine large-scale plate trunnion specimens is described in a companion paper. The computational modelling and nonlinear finite element analysis are first presented. The comparison with experimental results shows excellent correlation. The shear yield strengths of the shear plate and side braces are found to provide consistent lower-bound reference strength for plate trunnions. The considerations for design of plate trunnions, including proper evaluation of sling load distribution, dimensioning of trunnion components and fabrication aspects are then presented. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.