Connections Manual
Connections Manual
Connections Manual
Design of joints
Version 1.0.29
Design of joints 2
Table of contents
1.1 Introduction...................................................................................... 4
1.2 How to use the module ................................................................... 5
1.2.1 Select type of connection ............................................................... 5
1.2.2 The main screen ............................................................................. 6
1.2.3 Calculation of the connections under certain loading (by using a
file of Fespa) .................................................................................. 7
1.2.4 Calculation of connections without given loading ......................... 8
1.3 Printing of results............................................................................. 9
1.4 Export drawing to file ....................................................................... 9
Annex ........................................................................................... 67
1
About the module
1.1 Introduction
The software is used for the design of connections between steel structural
members according to the clauses of Eurocode 3 / prEN 1993-1-8: 2003 / Part
1.8: Design of steel structures; Design of joints (Greek version 5 May 2003).
The module interacts with the software Fespa:
for obtaining all needed information for the calculation of a joint (geometry
of members, actions effects), and
for creating the report and structural drawings for every joint.
The user may work with the module “Design of joints” independently (without
Fespa), by using the geometrical and load characteristics that he desires.
The program calculates the connections between members of cross-section type
H or I and covers:
Moment connections
Bolted beam-to-column connections with end-plate
Bolted beam-to-beam connections with end-plate,
Column base connection to concrete fundament with anchors.
Note: When a moment resisting connection is designed, the rotational stiffness of
the joint is also checked.
Design of joints 5
Shear connections
Bolted beam-to-column connections with steel angles,
Bolted beam-to-column connections with steel angles, with the beam con-
nected to the web of the column,
Bolted beam-to-beam connections with steel angles.
Tension connections
Bolted or welded connections of diagonal members.
Image 1.1: With the command “File > Select type of connection” the type
of the connection is selected among the available types.
Image 1.2 The main screen of the program. On the right hand side the
properties tabs are found, where the geometrical properties of
the connection are set. If all needed data are imported from an
existing design file (.tek file) then the file is selected here. A
sketch of the connection is given on the left hand side, which is
automatically updated after every modification of the properties
values.
Design of joints 7
The module recognises the cross-sections of the members of a joint and the cor-
responding action effects under all combinations of actions.
The results include the competence factors of the connection under moment
(mj = MSd / MRd), shear (vj = VSd / VRd) and axial force (nj = NSd / NRd).
Image 1.4 The names of the members running at a joint are inserted at the
proper boxes by using the [Tab] button. The program controls
the connection and in case of error displays a relevant message.
Design of joints 8
Joint to be
designed
Beam
Beam
Column
Figure 1.1 By using the command “Import data (existing .tek file)” the user
may design every joint of a building.
Image 1.5 When a .tek file is not imported then the selection of cross-
sections is undertaken by the user.
Design of joints 9
The details of a joint may be exported in .tek file format, to be further elaborated
in Fespa. The exported file includes two “floors”: the first floor includes the
side view of the joint (“Side A”) and the other floor the front view of the joint
(“Side B”). In case of a column base connection, the front view refers to the plan
view of the connection.
Image 1.6 Define pen and colour for every part of a joint (beam, column,
bolts, etc). Default values are already set to the program to be
used by the user.
Design of joints 10
2
Moment resisting connections
Table 2.1 Notation of the symbols used in the tables “Results of joint
analysis”.
Weak plate
Strong bolts
Strong plate
Weak bolts
Figure 2.2 Positions of the plastic hinges for the three modes of failure.
Ductile components:
End-plate in bending
Column web in shear
Beam web in tension
Design of joints 15
Fragile components:
Bolts in shear and tension
Welds
Image 2.2 From the tab “General”, the user selects the basic
characteristics of the joint (e.g. if a supplementary plate will be
added or if reinforcement at the beam lower flange will be
provided). After every modification of these characteristics the
sketch of the connection is automatically updated. The available
options of joint reinforcing refer only to moment resisting
connections.
In case that a joint of the top floor of a building is checked, the distance (in mm)
between the end-plate and the upper end of the column should be given. The
continuity of a column to higher floors affects the drawings that accompany the
design and the dimensions of the T-stub.
Available number
of inner bolts rows.
2.2.3 End-plate
Optimum modifications according to §2.4.5(1), §2.4.5(2).
Design of joints 18
Image 2.4 Usually the thickness of the plate, the grade of the plate and the
thickness of the welds are modified.
Image 2.5 The supplementary plates at the web are added only in cases
that one of the following checks is critical: check of column web
in shear Ft,v,wp, check of column web in compression Ft,c,wc
or check of column web in tension Ft,t,wc. See §2.4.1(1),
§2.4.2(1), §2.4.3(1).
Design of joints 19
Image 2.6 Transverse stiffeners are added to the column in case that the
critical check for the dimensioning of the joint is one of the
checks mentioned under Image 2.5 or when the check of the
column flange in bending is the critical one. See also §2.4.1(1),
§2.4.2(1), §2.4.3(1), §2.4.4(4.
Image 2.7 A backing plate is applied at the column when the check of the
column flange in bending Ft,f,fc – mode 1 or mode 2 is critical.
See also §2.4.4(1), §2.4.4(2).
Design of joints 20
Image 2.9 For every load case the actions, resistance and capacity ratio
under moment and shear loading appear on the aforementioned
table. The loading with the maximum (critical) capacity ratio is
given in bold font.
Notation:
Nc, Mc Axial force and bending moment of column [kN, kNm] respec-
tively.
k,wc Reduction factor related to the maximum compression strength
at the web due to axial force and moment, see prEN
§6.2.6.2(2). When the action effects at the joint are not given,
the value of kwc is taken equal to 1.0.
Mb1, Mb2 Bending moment of the beam (beam 1, right side of the joint)
and bending moment of the conjugate beam (beam 2, left side
of the joint, in case of double-sided connections) [kNm]. These
are the developed bending moments (MSd) at the connection.
See Figure 2.3.
β Transformation parameter related to the sign of the moments
acting on the beams running to the joint, see prEN §5.3(7).
When the action effects at the joint are not given, the value of
kwc is taken equal to 1.0.
Vb1 Beam shear force 1 (right side of the joint) [kN].
MjRd, VjRd Moment resistance and shear resistance of the joint [kNm, kN]
respectively. See Image 2.9.
Design of joints 22
mj, vj Capacity ratio under moment and shear loading. For values
greater than 1.0, the connection should be reinforced.
M b1 V
mj 1 , v j b1 1
M jRd V jRd
Shear
σw Normal stress on the weld between the beam flange and the
end-plate [MPa].
fy
w wRd
M2
τw Shear stress on the weld between the beam web and the end-
plate [MPa], prEN, §6.2.2 (1)
fy
w wRd
* 3 * M 2
σw / σwRd Capacity ratio of normal stresses. For values greater than 1.0,
the thickness of the weld should be increased.
τw / τwRd Capacity ratio of shear stresses. For values greater than 1.0, the
thickness of the weld should be increased.
Figure 2.3 Positive orientation of forces and moments acting at the joint.
Design of joints 23
Image 2.10 In case of a joint imported from Fespa, apart from the moment
and shear resistance of the connection, the capacity ratio of the
joint is also given.
Design of joints 24
Notation:
MjRd, VjRd, NjRd Moment resistance, shear resistance and axial resistance
of the joint respectively [kNm, kN, kN]. See Image 2.9.
mj, vj, nj Capacity ratio in bending, shear and axial loading.
Bolt row
Bolt row
Bolt row
Bolt row
Compression centre
Figure 2.4 The compression centre and the characterisation of the bolt
rows with regard to the applied bending moment MSd = Mb1.
Here the moment MSd has negative sign (M-). The bolt-rows are
always numbered starting from the bolt-row farthest from the
centre of compression.
Design of joints 25
Bolt-rows.
The bolt-rows are always numbered
starting from the bolt-row farthest from
the centre of compression (Bolt-row 1).
Image 2.11 In case of a connection not imported from Fespa in .tek format,
the numbering of bolt rows is properly modified: For negative
moment (Μ-) where the centre of compression is located at the
lower flange of the beam, the upper bolt row is characterised as
row 1. In case of positive moment (Μ+), where the centre of
compression is located at the upper flange of the beam, the
lower bolt row is characterised as bolt row 1.
Tension
2Bt Tension resistance of bolt-row [kN]
Ft,v,wp Limiting value of tension due to shear at the column web [kN]
For the 1st row of bolts:
0.9 f y , wc Avc
Ft , v , wp Vwp , Rd
3 M 0
Ft,c,wc Limiting value of tension due to compression at the column
web [kN]
For the 1st row of bolts:
Design of joints 26
* beff , c , wc * t wc * f y , wc * k wc
Ft , c , wc Fc , wc , Rd
M0
Ft,c,fb Limiting value of tension due to compression at the beam
flange [kN]
For the 1st row of bolts:
M b , Rd
Ft , c , fb Fc , fb , Rd
h t fb
Ft,t,fc Limiting value of tension due to transverse bending of the col-
umn flange (T-stub) [kN]
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 6.2.4
Α1, Α2, or Α3 At the T-stub checks, this symbol refers to the failure mode,
mode 1, 2 or 3.
μ or ο At the T-stub checks, this symbol indicates whether the failure
refers to certain bolt-row or to certain group of bolt-rows.
Ft,t,wc Limiting value of tension due to transverse tension at the col-
umn web (T-stub) [kN]
* leff ,t , wc * t wc * f y , wc
Ft ,t , wc Ft , wc , Rd
M0
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 6.2.6.3
Ft,t,ep Limiting value due to bending of the end-plate (T-stub) [kN]
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 6.2.6.5
Ft,t,wb Limiting value due to tension at the beam web (T-stub) [kN]
beff ,t , wb * t wb * f y , wb
Ft ,t , wb Ft , wb , Rd
M0
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 6.2.6.8
Ft,1.9Bt When the effective design tension resistance of one of the pre-
vious bolt-rows is greater than 1,9Bt,Rd (or 95% = 1.9/2 of its
plastic resistance), the effective design tension resistance for
all next bolt-rows should be linearly reduced. In such case the
reduced limiting resistance (kN) of each bolt-row (due to ex-
Design of joints 27
Fti The available (total) tension resistance of each bolt row, equal
to the minimum value of the aforementioned values in kN.
α Ratio indicating the efficiency of the lever arm (= hi / hmax,
where hmax = h1). Low values of “a” for a bolt row (< 0.5) cor-
respond to low effectiveness of the reinforcing of the row to
the total resistance of the connection.
Shear
2Fv Shear resistance of bolt-row [kN]
av * f ub * As
Fv Fv , Rd
M2
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 3.6 / Table 3.4
2Fb Bearing resistance of bolt row [kN]. This is the minimum val-
ue among the resistance of the end-plate and the resistance of
the column flange.
k1*ab * f u * d * t
Fb Fb , Rd
M2
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 3.6/ Table3.4
Fvi Total shear resistance of bolt row, equal to the minimum value
of the aforementioned values [kN]. The simultaneous presence
of tension is also taken into account as follows:
Fv , Ed F
t , Ed 1.0
Fv , Rd 1.4 Ft , Rd
Image 2.12 In the table the value of the moment resistance (MjRd) is given
for each combination of diameter and bolt grade. The
combinations which are not satisfied are indicated with red font
colour. The user may check the effect of all possible methods of
reinforcing on the value of MjRd. By selecting the option “Undo
changes” all changes are cancelled and the table is updated
with the values of the current bolting.
Note
The changes applied by the user in the tab “Resistance investigation” are tempo-
rary and do not affect the configuration of bolting. Permanent chang-
es/modifications are applied only through the tabs where the characteristics of
the connection are inserted.
Image 2.13 In the table the stiffness ki that participates in the calculation of
Sj,ini is shown. It may be noted that the value of k2 is high
(practically equal to infinity). This is attributed to the fact that k2
is related to the web of the column which in the current example
is reinforced and in that case it does not participate in the
calculation of the total stiffness of the joint.
In case that an elasto-plastic analysis is applied for the global analysis of a struc-
ture, a joint may be classified as follows:
Nominally pinned
Rigid and full-strength
Semi-rigid
For joints connecting H or I sections, the moment resistance Μj,Rd, the rotational
stiffness Sj and the rotation capacity φCd may be related with the following bi-
linear expression:
Design of joints 30
M
j
M
j,Rd
Sj,ini
/
Cd
2. Semi-rigid joints
A joint which does not meet the criteria for a rigid joint or a nominally pinned
joint should be classified as a semi-rigid joint.
NOTE
Semi-rigid joints provide a predictable degree of interaction between members,
based on the design moment-rotation characteristics of the joints.
3. Rigid joints
Joints classified as rigid may be assumed to have sufficient rotational stiffness to
justify analysis based on full continuity.
Design of joints 31
M kb=25
nt
d joi
Rigi
nt
joi
igid
i-r
Sem kb=0.5
1
2
Nominally pinned joint
3
φ
Zone 2: semi-rigid
All joints in zone 2 should be classified as semi-rigid. Joints in zones 1 or 3 may
optionally also be treated as semi-rigid.
Column bases may be classified as rigid provided the following conditions are
satisfied:
– In frames where the bracing system reduces the horizontal displace-
ment by at least 80 % and where the effects of deformation may be neglected
– if 0 ≤ 0,5
The boundary 48 EIc / Lc is conservative and may be used for all column ba-
ses. The limiting stiffness 12EIc / Lc may be used for frames without bracing
system with column slenderness lower than 0 = 1.36.
Design of joints 33
0.7beff ,t , wc twc k3
k3
dc
Column flange in 0.9leff t 3fc
bending (for a single k4
bolt-row in tension) m3
End-plate in bending (for 0.9leff t 3p
a single bolt-row in k5
tension) m3
Bolts in tension (for a 1.6 As
single bolt-row) k10
Lb
Concrete in compression
Ec beff leff
(including grout) k13
1, 275 E
Base plate in bending with prying forces without prying forces
under tension (for a k15 =
single bolt row in
Design of joints 34
For end-plate joints with two or more bolt-rows in tension, the basic components
related to all of these bolt-rows should be represented by an equivalent stiffness
coefficient keq determined from the following expression:
k eff , r hr
keq r
zeq
where:
hr is the distance between bolt-row r and the centre of compression
keff,r is the effective stiffness coefficient for bolt-row r calculated as fol-
lows:
1
keff , r
1
k i i,r
k eff , r hr 2
zeq r
ki
eff , r hr
Ez 2
S j ,ini
1
i k
i
where:
kT,1 is the tension stiffness coefficient of the left hand side of the joint
and should be taken as equal to the sum of the stiffness coefficients
k15 and k16 acting on the left hand side of the joint.
kT,r is the tension stiffness coefficient of the right hand side of the joint
and should be taken as equal to the sum of the stiffness coefficients
k15 and k16 acting on the right hand side of the joint.
kC,l is the compression stiffness coefficient of the left hand side of the
joint and should be taken as equal to the stiffness coefficient k13
acting on the left hand side of the joint.
kC,r is the compression stiffness coefficient of the right hand side of the
joint and should be taken as equal to the stiffness coefficient k13
acting on the right hand side of the joint.
For the calculation of zT,l, zC,l, zT,r, zC,r see EC3 –Part1.8, §6.2.8.1.
Design of joints 36
M Ed M Rd
e= =
N Ed N Rd
Design of joints 37
2. Ιf failure mode 2 is developed, then the resistance of the bolts should be in-
creased (increase of diameter or bolt grade). If after the aforementioned mod-
ifications, the connection still fails but according to failure mode 1 and not
according to mode 2, then backing plates may be provided at the column
flange.
3. Ιf failure mode 3 is developed, then the resistance of the bolts should be in-
creased (increase of diameter or bolt grade). Failure mode 3 leads to brittle
failure of the connection and should be avoided.
3. If failure mode 3 is developed, then the diameter and grade of bolts should be
increased. Failure mode 3 leads to brittle failure of the connection and
should be avoided.
3
Column bases
Image 3.1 Tab for the definition of the column base connection.
Design of joints 41
Image 3.2 In case of a column base connection, the geometrical data and
the material strengths (of base plate and concrete footing) are
inserted in the above window.
The dimensions of the support surface (BxD) should be three times greater than
the relevant dimensions of the base plate. The selection of the footing dimen-
sions derived from Fespa leads to safe results. The default thickness of the level-
ling layer (tg = 50 mm) is generally sufficient.
The thickness of the base plate (tp) is recommended to be twice the thickness of
the column flange thickness.
Design of joints 42
Image 3.3 The backing plates improve the resistance of the connection
along the major axis. Their contribution to the resistance of the
connection is similar to the one of the transverse column
stiffeners.
Image 3.5 In case of a column base connection apart from the T-stub
checks, the footing, supporting the steel column, is checked in
compression and the resistance of the bolts in tension is also
calculated.
Notation:
Ft,c,pl Bending resistance of base plate kN]
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 6.2.6.11
Ft,c,fc Compression resistance of column flange/web [kN]
Eurocode 3 / Part 1.8 / § 6.2.6.7
fjd Design bearing strength of the joint, prEN §6.2.5(7)
f jd j * FRdu /(beff * leff )
The value of fjd depends on the dimensions B, D and h of the
footing and the concrete strength fcd. See Image 3.4. The val-
ue of FRdu is calculated according to ΕΝ1992-1-1:2003, §6.7.
Ac 0 beff leff
Design of joints 44
fjdmax The maximum bearing resistance of the footing, equal to 2·fcd. The
maximum bearing resistance is obtained when the dimensions of the
support surface (B x D) are three times greater than the dimensions of
the base plate and the height h is twice the biggest dimension of the
base plate.
fjd / fjdmax The capacity ratio of the concrete footing. A value close to 1.00 indi-
cates that the given dimensions B and D are the optimum ones.
e Load eccentricity (= MSd / NSd)
zi The relevant dimension of the lever arm (zc or zt), prEN, §6.2.8.3
e / zi A ratio indicating whether the connection is under dominant compres-
sion, tension or bending. In case of dominant compression (e / zi <
1.0) some checks (e.g. the T-stub checks that refer to the tension of
the column web) are not undertaken.
Design of joints 45
4
Shear connections
4.1 General
A shear connection refers to beam-to-column joints (provided either at the col-
umn web or column flange) or to beam-to-beam connections.
4.2 Properties
Image 4.2 Even in the case that the user deactivates the option “Automatic
calculation of bolting”, the program checks the maximum and
minimum required values for e1, p1, e2, p2 according to the
clauses of EC3-1.8 In case of not compliance with the
requirements of EC3-1.8 a relevant message is displayed at the
bottom left hand side of the window.
Design of joints 47
Image 4.3 Especially for a beam-to-beam connection, the user may define
if the secondary beam will have a notch (upwards or
downwards) and its distance from the top flange of the main
beam. See Image 4.4.
In case that no action effects are available, the program undertakes all neces-
sary checks by using an applied design action equal to half of the beam’s
shear resistance (Maximum shear force VEd = Vpl,b,Rd / 2).
Design of joints 49
Fv , Ed VEd n
where n the number of bolts provided at the web of the primary member.
au fub A
Fv 0,c , Rd
M2
Note
k1 is taken as the minimum of the values corresponding to inner and edge bolts.
k1 ab f u dt
Fb , Lc , Rd
M2
Veff ,2, Lc , Rd 0.5 f u Ant M 2 1 3 f y Anv M 0
In Figure 4.1 the area of the cleat about to fail in tearing is given. This part is
taken into account in the calculation of Αnt.
Design of joints 50
e2
Figure 4.1 The area of the cleat about to fail in tearing is given. This part is
taken into account in the calculation of Αnt.
M Ed FV , Ed e
where e the distance of the bolting to the adjacent edge of the primary mem-
ber.
Ultimate applied shear force per bolt (resultant force), Fv,b,Ed
Fv ,b , Ed Fvy ,b , Ed 2 Fvx ,b , Ed 2
av f ub A
Fv 0,b , Rd 2
M2
k1 ab fu dt
Fby , Lb , Rd
M2
In Figure 4.2 the distances to be taken into account in the calculation of k1, αb
are given.
e1
p1
e2 p2
e2
p2
p1 e1
(a) (b)
e1 e2
p1 p2
e2 p2 e1 p1
(c) (d)
Av f y
V pl , L , Rd 2
3 M 0
Anet f y M 2
0.9
A fu M 0
wpl , L f y
M pl , L , Rd 2
M0
Veff ,2, Lb , Rd 0.5 fu Ant M 2 1 3 f y Anv M 0
In Figure 4.4 the area of the cleat about to fail in tearing is given. This part is
taken into account in the calculation of Αnt.
e2
Figure 4.4 The area of the cleat about to fail in tearing is given. This part is
taken into account in the calculation of Αnt.
Av _ z f y
V pl ,b , Rd
3 M 0
Anet f y M 2
0.9
A fu M 0
wpl ,b f y
M pl ,b , Rd
M0
Design of joints 55
Veff ,2,b, Rd 0.5 fu Ant M 2 1 3 f y Anv M 0
In Figure 4.5 the area of the cleat about to fail in tearing is given. This part is
taken into account in the calculation of Αnt.
e2
Figure 4.5 The area of the cleat about to fail in tearing is given. This part is
taken into account in the calculation of Αnt.
Design of joints 56
5
Vertical bracing connections
5.1 General
This is the connection of the brace member with the beam-to-column joint pro-
vided either by welds or bolting.
5.2 Properties
5.2.1.1 Brace
Image 5.2 In the tab “Brace” the user may define the length of the brace
member the distance of the brace member from the beam-to-
column joint, the direction of the brace member or if a double
brace member is provided. The characteristics of the gusset
plate (geometry, shape, existence of double gusset plate or not
etc) are further given. The properties of the type of the
connection (welds or bolting) are also given.
Design of joints 58
Image 5.6 Definition of the dimensions of the gusset plate. In the tab
“Brace” the user may define the length Lx1 and the thickness
sy1 of the weld of the gusset plate along the length of the beam,
the length Lx2 and the thickeness sy2 of the weld of the gusset
plate along the column, the thickness t, the steel grade and the
shape of the gusset plate.
Design of joints 60
Image 5.7 In the tab “Connection”, the user may define the type of the
connection between the brace member and the gusset plate
(welds or bolting). The properties’ values of the connections
may be either automatically set by the program or set by the
user.
Design of joints 61
In case that no action effects are available, the program undertakes all neces-
sary checks by using an applied design action equal to the bracing’s yielding
resistance ( ΝEd = Νpl,Rd).
Design of joints 62
in case that the action effects are imported by a file from Fespa, N is taken as
the developed tensile force at the brace member
in case that no action effects are available, the program undertakes all neces-
sary checks by using as N the yielding resistance of the brace member (Ν =
Νpl,Rd ).
Design of joints 64
Figure 5.1
Design of joints 65
M w, Ed
Mw,b rb
I wx I wy
where Iwx and Iwy are the moments of inertia along x and y direction of the welds
of the gusset plate with the beam and the column.
N cos
wx
As
N sin
wy
As
where Αs the total area of the weld.
The ultimate weld stress between the plate and the beam is given by the follow-
ing expression:
w, b wx Mw,b , y wy
2 2
Mw, b , x
M w, Ed
Mw, c rc
I wx I wy
where Iwx and Iwy the moments of inertia along x and y direction of the welds
between the gusset plate and the beam/column.
N cos
wx
As
Design of joints 66
N sin
wy
As
where Αs the total area of the weld.
The ultimate weld stress between the plate and the column is given by the fol-
lowing expression:
w, c wx Mw, c , y wy
2 2
Mw, c , x
The design resistance of the weld between the plate and the beam/column is cal-
culated as follows:
fu
f vw, d
3 w M 2
Design of joints 67
Annex
C
E300 Δ5.3 (0)
A Δ5.2 (0) IP IPE300
Δ5.4 (0)
IPE300
Δ5.1 (0) IPE300
The imported file from Fespa includes the developed action effects of all load-
ings and combinations of actions.
-23.73
-17.61
-9.32 -9.32
23.73 33.72
7.89
33.72
-70.88 -104.13
General Data
Nodes Start: 9 End: 32 Member: 39 M.F.A.E. = 1,00
Cross-section IPE300 General member Elastic hinges
Material Structural steel S235 Length lcl=1,45 Start End
Standards DCM Primary Beam NO NO
Factors Ky =1,00 Kz = 1,00 a0y =1,00 a0z =1,00 β0y =1,00 β0z =1,00
Action effects
Start [9] End [ 32 ] Axial
L.C. wy wz My Mz Vy Vz My Mz Vy Vz N max My max Mz
[/] [kN/m] [kN/m] [kNm] [kNm] [kN] [kN] [kNm] [kNm] [kN] [kN] [kN] [kNm] [kNm]
L1 0,42 -4,01 3,96 1,77 3,30 -1,44 1,77
L2 -9,31 8,70 -0,01 -0,01 4,54 8,70 -0,01 -3,37 4,54
L3 -4,65 4,35 0,09 0,14 2,27 4,35 0,09 -1,69 0,14 2,27
L4 -4,65 4,35 -0,10 -0,15 2,27 4,35 -0,10 -1,69 2,27
L5 0,42 -6,80 6,57 -0,01 -0,01 3,14 5,91 -0,01 -2,45 3,14
LC 1 0,56 -15,18 14,48 -0,01 -0,02 7,16 13,58 -0,01 -5,48 7,16
LC 2 0,56 -10,30 9,91 0,09 0,14 4,78 9,02 0,09 -3,71 0,14 4,78
LC 3 0,56 -10,30 9,91 -0,11 -0,17 4,78 9,02 -0,11 -3,71 4,78
LC 4 0,48 -18,56 17,59 -0,02 -0,03 8,85 16,83 -0,02 -6,71 8,85
LC 5 0,48 -11,58 11,07 0,13 0,21 5,44 10,31 0,13 -4,18 0,21 5,44
LC 6 0,48 -11,58 11,07 -0,15 -0,24 5,44 10,31 -0,15 -4,18 5,44
SC:+x 0,42 2,14 -11,62 8,05 1,23 -0,40 5,61 4,43 -1,24 -1,41 2,14 5,61
SC:+x 0,42 -2,14 -1,98 5,10 -1,24 0,39 0,66 7,38 1,23 -3,48 -0,40 0,66
SC:+z 0,42 2,14 -11,62 8,05 1,23 -0,40 5,61 4,43 -1,24 -1,41 2,14 5,61
SC:+z 0,42 -2,14 -1,98 5,10 -1,24 0,39 0,66 7,38 1,23 -3,48 -0,40 0,66
SC:-x 0,42 2,14 -11,62 8,05 1,16 -0,47 5,61 4,43 -1,17 -1,41 2,14 5,61
SC:-x 0,42 -2,14 -1,98 5,10 -1,17 0,45 0,66 7,38 1,16 -3,48 -0,47 0,66
SC:-z 0,42 2,14 -11,62 8,05 1,16 -0,47 5,61 4,43 -1,17 -1,41 2,14 5,61
SC:-z 0,42 -2,14 -1,98 5,10 -1,17 0,45 0,66 7,38 1,16 -3,48 -0,47 0,66
L6 -4,63 4,33 -0,01 2,26 4,33 -1,68 2,26
L7 26,08 -14,08 -0,07 -0,11 3,66 -14,08 -0,07 -0,19 26,08
L8 5,39 -3,05 -0,20 -0,33 0,52 -3,05 -0,20 9,81 5,39
LC 7 0,42 -13,31 12,66 -0,01 -0,02 6,32 11,99 -0,01 -4,81 6,32
LC 8 0,42 -6,80 6,57 -0,01 -0,01 3,14 5,91 -0,01 -2,45 3,14
LC 9 0,56 -19,37 18,39 -0,02 -0,03 9,21 17,49 -0,02 -7,00 9,21
LC 10 0,42 -13,31 12,66 -0,01 -0,02 6,32 11,99 -0,01 -4,81 6,32
LC 11 0,56 2,67 0,77 -0,31 -0,49 3,18 -0,13 -0,31 12,78 3,20
LC 12 0,56 33,72 -15,77 -0,11 -0,17 7,89 -16,67 -0,11 -2,23 33,72
LC 13 0,56 -12,35 11,84 -0,01 -0,02 5,78 10,94 -0,01 -4,45 5,78
LC 14 0,56 -16,95 18,81 -0,30 -0,47 12,29 17,91 -0,30 4,49 12,29
LC 15 0,56 10,99 3,92 -0,12 -0,19 16,52 3,02 -0,12 -9,02 16,52
LC 16 0,56 -18,69 19,54 -0,20 -0,33 11,71 18,64 -0,20 0,32 11,71
LC 17 0,56 -0,06 9,62 -0,08 -0,13 14,54 8,72 -0,08 -8,68 14,54
LC 18 0,56 -15,88 16,92 -0,20 -0,32 10,35 16,02 -0,20 1,34 10,35
LC 19 0,56 2,75 6,99 -0,08 -0,13 13,17 6,10 -0,08 -7,66 13,17
LC 20 0,56 -9,87 12,49 -0,32 -0,51 9,30 11,59 -0,32 8,24 9,30
LC 21 0,56 21,17 -4,05 -0,12 -0,19 14,01 -4,95 -0,12 -6,77 21,17
Image A1.1 Action effects of beams as printed in the Report of Fespa. LC12
is the 5th loading.
Beam-to-column joint
Step 1 Select from the main menu the type of the connection. Here “Beam-to-
column (moment) connection”.
Step 2 Select the file to be imported from Fespa, entitled as “Portal frame.tek”:
Design of joints 70
Image A1.3 The members running at joint A are: column C9(0) with cross-
section HEB300 and beam B5.1(0) with cross-section IPE300.
Image A1.4 The main screen of the program after the data insertion.
Image A1.5 In the specific example, the maximum capacity ratio mj is equal
to 3.92 under the loading 5. From the report it is shown that the
5th loading corresponds to LC12 that is G + Wz.
The program detects the maximum value of mj under the loading 5. Obviously
the joint is not sufficient. The reinforcing to be provided at the joint should com-
ply with §2.4 “Dealing with problems during the analysis”.
Resistance investigation
In the tab “Resistance analysis (for critical load case)” the user may proceed to
the investigation of the joint’s resistance.
Design of joints 73
Image A1. 6 Apart from the moment and shear resistance of the connection,
the capacity ratio of the joint is also given in the tab “Resistance
analysis (for critical load case)”.
The column flange is the critical component of the joint. The minimum available
resistance appears at the first bolt-row (Ft_lim_t_fc = 141.2 kNm under failure
mode 2). According to the specifications of §2.4.4(1) a backing plate is provided
at the column flange with thickness t=22mm. Then the joint is calculated again.
Image A1. 7 Apart from the moment and shear resistance of the connection,
the capacity ratio of the joint is also given in the tab “Resistance
analysis (for critical load case)”.
Design of joints 74
After the aforementioned reinforcing of the joint the capacity ratio is 3.23. The
column flange is again critical (under failure mode 2 again). With regard to the
clauses of §2.4.4(2) the bolts are upgraded to M30, three bolt-rows are provided
(instead of two) and the bolt grade is set to 10.9. The joint is calculated again.
Image A1.8 Apart from the moment and shear resistance of the connection,
the capacity ratio of the joint is also given in the tab “Resistance
analysis (for critical load case)”.
The capacity ratio mj remains greater than 1.00 but the critical part of the joint is
not the column flange but the column web in compression (Ft_lim,c,wc = 383.0
kNm). According to the specifications of §2.4.2 a supplementary plate is provid-
ed at the column web with transverse stiffeners. Nevertheless the capacity ratio
mj is still greater than 1.00.
The joint will be further reinforced at the lower flange of the beam, the diameter
of bolts is changed to M27 with bolt grade 8.8 and (due to the automatic setting
of bolts) the program will increase the number of rows to 4. The final results of
calculation are given in Image A1.9.
Design of joints 75
Image A1.9 Apart from the moment and shear resistance of the connection,
the capacity ratio of the joint is also given in the tab “Resistance
analysis (for critical load case)”.
The capacity ratio is now lower than 1.00 and equal to mj=0.86.
Save the configuration of the joint and the results of the calculation by using the
command “Save file”. The names of the files created by the current module have
the extension .MTC.
Image A1.10 The main screen of the program after inserting the
supplementary plate at the column web and increasing the
length Lb.
Image A1.11 The rotational stiffness of the joint is given in the tab
“Rotational stiffness for critical load case”. In this case, the
joint is classified as semi-rigid.
It is noted that the stiffness of the joint requires further improvement (increase).
Therefore, transverse stiffeners are added to the column and the bolt-rows are
reduced in 3. The joint is then calculated again.
Design of joints 77
Image A1.12 The main screen of the program after the increase of the end-
plate’s thickness.
Image A1.13 The rotational stiffness of the joint is given in the tab
“Rotational stiffness for critical load case”. After the insertion
of the column transverse stiffeners, the joint is classified as
rigid.
Design of joints 78
Image A1.14 By applying the command “Drawings > Export drawing” a file
in .tek format (which can be opened by Fespa) is created.
Image A1.15 In case of a column base connection, the geometrical data are
inserted in the tab “Column base”.
The preset values at the properties of the base plate are kept (dimensions 420 x
530 mm, thickness tp = 28 mm).
In the tab “Anchor bolts” the number of bolt-rows is selected, here equal to 2.
The diameter of the anchor bolts is M27 and the bolt grade is 8.8.
With the command “Calculate connection”, the joint is calculated. The joint in
question undertakes safely the imposed loads.
Image A1.16 Apart from the axial, moment and shear resistance of the
connection, the capacity ratio of the joint is also given in the tab
“Resistance analysis (for critical load case)”.
the joint (MjRd) is lower than 25% of the beam moment resistance (Mbpl,Rd), then
the joint is considered as hinged (does not transfer moments).
From the main menu of the program select the relevant type of the connection
with the command “File > Select type of connection > Beam-to-column web
(shear) connection”. In the tab “General” set the names of the members running
at the joint: column C20 and beam B13.1.
Select the option “Top floor” and set the property “Gap between end-plate and
upper end of column” equal to 30mm.
Modify the properties of the tab “Shear connection” according to Image A1.17
and apply the command “Calculate connection”.
From the main menu of the program select the relevant type of the connection
with the command “File > Select type of connection > Beam-to-column web
(shear) connection”. In the tab “General” set the names of the members running
at the joint: column C17 and beam B10.8 at the current example. Select the op-
tion “Top floor” and set the property “Gap between end-plate and upper end of
column” equal to 35mm.
Design of joints 82
Modify the properties of the tab “Shear connection” according to Image A1.19
and apply the command “Calculate connection”.
Compared to the previous case, the user may use a cleat of smaller dimensions
and less rows (or columns) of bolts for undertaking only shear forces.
Design of joints 83
Apply all the automatic calculations for the bolting and end-plate.
Design of joints 86
Image A1.25 The moment and shear resistance of the connection, as well as
the capacity ratio of the joint are also given in the tab
“Resistance analysis (for critical load case)”.
Image A1.26 When data are imported from Fespa, the names of the members
running at a joint are inserted automatically at the proper
boxes.
The following data are set in the tab “Brace” and the connection is then submit-
ted for analysis:
Image A1.27 In the tab “Brace” the user may define the length of the brace
member, the distance of the brace member from the beam-to-
column joint, the direction of the brace member or if a double
brace member is provided. The characteristics of the gusset
plate (geometry, shape, existence of double gusset plate or not
Design of joints 89
In Image A1.28 the results derived from the analysis of the joint are given.