Steel Connection Scope and Assumptions

Steel Connection Scope and Assumptions

Once we have finalized position of the steel members, we can start “connecting” the steel members, i.e. create connections.  
The program will automatically create connections & perform guideline design check (i.e. provide calculation check and produce connection report) for standard connections types as listed below:
  • Beam to Beam Connections:  End Plate, Stiffened End Plate, Fin Plate
  • Beam to Column Connections:  End Plate, Stiffened End Plate, Fin Plate 
  • Beam to Beam End Plate Connection
  • *Haunch Connection
  • *Direct Welding Connection
  • *Simple Base Plate Connection 
  • Flange Plate Moment Connection 
  • Extended End Plate Connection
  • Bolted Gusset Plate Connection 
  • Corner Bolted Gusset Plate Connection 
  • Welded Gusset Plate Connection 
  • Corner Welded Gusset Plate Connection
  • Truss Seating Connection
* denotes : Check is provided, but will not automatically design the number of bolts and size of the plates. It will be provided with a default connection size and will require user to manually adjust the connection in the connection macro setting if the design has failed. For more information about the macro, please refer to : Overview of Connection Macro
The following design checks are performed:
  1. Plate bearing check
  2. Bolt shear & Bolt tension check
  3. Weld stress check
  4. Plate tension & plate bending check

The above is guideline checks are not clause by clause code specific checks.  Generally, they are designed to the capacity ratios of the connecting members.

For example, for simple beam to beam fin plate, the no. of bolts will be determined based on the shear capacity of the beam multiplied by a user-defined ratio (General Overdesign Factor For Connections).

Before performing connection design, the default design parameters can be reviewed :

  • Go to File > Settings > Project Preferences
  • Ensure that Design Standards for Connections is set to EC3
  • General Overdesign Factor for Connections = 1

This means that the connections will generally design for 100% of the member capacity. This setting works in combination with capacity ratios of the connecting members (changed via Profile dialog → Detailing Definitions). The Capacity Ratio is automatically calculated = Design force divided by the actual capacity of the member.  Hence, Capacity Ratio x Overdesign Factor = Final Factor.

To prevent unrealistic design, a minimum capacity ratio may be imposed. For example, a minimum Shear Capacity Ratio of 0.3 is applied to all beams.
  • Under   Steel Detailing   review the following :
    • Plates : Preferred Plate Material = S355
    • Bolts : Preferred Bolt Material = Class 8.8
    • General Weld : Preferred Weld Material = Class 42
    • Butt Welds
    • Clearances
    • Detailing Style
    • Drawings




    • Related Articles

    • Structural Modelling Overview

      Techniques for member creation and loading are described in this section. Also described here are those other modelling related functions contained on the “Member” pulldown. Additional modelling related topics can be found in the preceding Graphic ...

    • Ignorable Forces for Beam Design

      The beam forces that are automatically designed for in the beam section design are Major Bending Moment, Major Shear Force & Torsion. The beam forces that are not automatically designed for (or even checked) are Axial Tension Force, Minor Axis ...

    • Column and Wall Design Contents

      The "Column Section Design" form can be accessed by clicking the “Column Section Design” option under the “Design” pulldown menu in the Graphic Editor. ProtaStructure can design rectangular, circular and polyline columns under uniaxial or biaxial ...

    • Steel Design & Composite Member Settings

      Steel design & composite member setting is important to preset before starting to design any steel or composite steel members. By presetting these design parameters can save a significant amount of time for user compare to user who set after ...

    • ProtaStructure Tutorials & How To

      ProtaStructure is an advanced structural analysis and design software. It provides a wide range of tools and features to ease modelling, analysis, and design. From one central model, you can easily compare different schemes and automate your steel ...