Experimental Evaluation of Stability of Single-Overhanging Steel Beams

Gerber girder cantilever systems have become increasingly popular in the construction of roofs for single-storey buildings in Canada. Although the system comes with cost savings, smaller deflections and simpler connections, it also presents stability issues which have led to roof collapses in the past. Maha's research is a continuation of an ongoing Gerber girder research program at the Steel Centre that aims to provide professional engineers with a reliable design method for this system. Following the theoretical phase of the project, Maha will perform the experimental phase which will consist of approximately 24 full-scale tests of Gerber girders subject to various loading and lateral restraint conditions.