Numerical studies of the effect of residual imperfection on the mechanical behavior of heat-corrected steel plates, and analysis of a further repair method

Heating correction, through heating and flattening a structure with a pressing machine, is the in-situ method used to repair buckled steel structures. The primary purpose of this investigation is to develop an FEM model which can predict the mechanical response of heat-corrected plates accurately. Our model clarifies several unsolved problems. In previous research, the location of the imperfection was limited to the center of the specimen although the mechanical behavior is strongly affected by the location of the imperfection. Our research clarifies the relationship between the location of the imperfection and the mechanical behavior. In addition, we propose further reinforcement methods and validate their effectiveness. Our research concludes that the strength of a buckled specimen can be recovered by heating correction and the use of an adequate stiffener.