Shear lag analysis by the adaptive finite element method: 2. Analysis of complex plated structures

The adaptive finite element analysis procedure proposed in Part 1 of this study is employed to solve shear lag problems for complex plated structures with more general and complex geometries, including core walls with openings, multi-cell box girders and box girders with curved flanges. By using the adaptive finite element method, parametric studies were carried out to investigate the influence of some key geometrical parameters on the shear lag effect for these types of structure. In addition, it is found that the adaptive finite element method is a convenient tool for the shear lag analysis of structures with complicated geometry and multiple loading conditions, and could be used in day-to-day analyses.