Shakedown Analysis of Nonprismatic Beams

A theoretical investigation of the shakedown theorem for non-prismatic beams of elastic-plastic and strain-hardening material is presented. Analytical expressions for shakedown analysis of continuous beams with variable cross section under statical loading have been derived. The effect of preload, shear force, and geometry of the section on the shakedown load has been treated. A new concept of shakedown analysis of continuous bridges, prismatic and nonprismatic, has been introduced. The method is directly applicable for shakedown analysis of beams supporting crane runway girders, columns, and walls subjected to severe wind load. The shakedown method of analysis for both the stationary and travelling type of variable repeated loading has been illustrated by numerical examples of beams and bridges.