Stress analysis of stiffener plate at the base of the overhanging traffic sign post under effect of vehicle-induced gusts

This research is an analysis of stiffener plate dimensions at the column base of the overhanging traffic sign post under effect on vehicle-induced gusts. The finite element analysis (FEA) result is compared with the result form computation using mathematical equation and an experimental result which cited from Fongsamootr T. and Chartpuk P. [2006]. It is found that the FEA result has deviation about 1% and 8% respectively. Traffic sign post structure is exerted by three forces in the same time; body force, Vehicle-Induced Gusts and wind load. The higher stiffener plate leads to decrease of maximum stress at the column base. Height extension of stiffener plate from 250 to 350 mm with fixed thickness and base width leads to increase in the safety factor of column and stiffener plate. Rectangular stiffener plate with cut off a corner (type C) is the best type for supporting the base of traffic sign post column. Cutting of a corner of rectangular stiffener plate results increase of stress in itself but less than maximum stress in traffic sign post column.