Influence of designer-assumed initial conditions on the numerical modelling of steel plate girders subjected to patch loading

European design rules EN1993-1-5 allows the usage of FE-Analyses as reliable tools in the verification of limit states of plated structures. Throughout the modelling of these structures, certain initial conditions must be assumed. Consequently, engineering judgment is needed to some degree. This paper presents an assessment of the influence of these conditions on the ultimate load capacity of steel plate girders when subjected to patch loading. The basis of the research is a thorough comparison between theory and design rules by means of experimental and numerical results. The results obtained prove usefulness for practical and academic purposes alike.