Due to the relatively large slenderness of plated structures, the proof of adequate buckling resistance is crucial for dimensioning. Plate buckling is a stability problem of a compression-loaded plate and is generally characterized by failure of the structure prior to achieving plastic component resistance. The stability verification of welded plated structures assisted by finite element analysis (FEM) is becoming increasingly prevalent in applied engineering. The rules and examples given in this book might illustrate the correct application of the numerical models and give background information on the FEM-based design of welded plated structures.

Aside from technical background information on calculation methods and software requirements, modelling, solution settings, evaluation, and verification as a key part of this manual, benchmark examples and worked examples are given. They not only allow the user to better understand the procedure and the background but can also serve as test examples to prove the validity of their own numerical calculations. We are sure that this manual will contribute to improved knowledge of the application of FEM for the design of plated structures, and thereby enhance the acceptance of FEM design in practice.