1. Overview of Tapered Plate(LP PLATE) 

Tapered plate is a new concept of plate product whose lengthwise thickness can be changed gradually or tapered.  Thus, it is generally called  LP Plate (Longitudinal Profiled Plate).   With tapered plates, steel structures are able to better deal with section force and enhance the efficiency in steel use, thereby reducing the volume of steels used and the number of welds.  Tapered Plate Production and Usage

2. Features

Reduction in Self-Load and Material Cost

 Tapered plate can change in thickness according to the changing stress of steel structure member, thus contributing to the reduction of self-load and material cost.  

 Reduction in Construction Time and Manufacturing Cost

 Since plates can be produced in a variety of sizes, the number of welded joints can be dramatically decreased, eventually reducing the construction time and manufacturing cost

High Quality

Since plates are manufactured in a works, they have smoother welded joints than the conventional steel plates, thereby enhancing the quality.

 Improved Fatigue Limit 

 The fewer number of welded joints reduces the vulnerability to fatigue.  If tapered plates are placed appropriately during the structure member manufacturing, you can forgo the welding of areas vulnerable to fatigue, thereby improving fatigue limits.  In terms of steel structure repair and maintenance, you can have less inspections at longer intervals.    

3.  A Comparison of Economic Aspects According to Changes in Thickness

Classification Weight No. of Welds Relative Cost Explanation 12 ton 1 100 Two tapered plates are applied.       One welding at the center 18 ton 0 125 One plate with 120mm in thickness  is applied.   15 ton 1 110 Two plates, 120mm- and 80mm-thick, are applied  14 ton 2 110 Three plates, 120mm-, 93mm- and 67mm-thick, are applied

4. Flange Thickness of Simple Support I-Beam 

5. Improving the Efficiency of Member Joints

Welded Joint

When joints are welded, the joint efficiency and the thickness equivalence of welded parts increase. 

Bolted Joint

When joints are bolted together, splice plate is not needed.