Ferenc Papp

Ph.D. Dr.habil

Steel Buildings
DESIGN NOTES

Practice 8 DESIGN OF JOINTS

Written in the framework of the project TMOP 421.B JLK 29.

2012 Budapest

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

8.1 General The frame structure should be divided into structural members in order to reasonable transmission conditions and erection. Both points of view may be satisfied if the frame is divided into straight members such as columns and beams. In this case the following joints should be designed (see the Figure 54): Column bases Beam-to-column joints Beam-to-beam joint

Fig.54 Joints of the frame to be designed The column bases can be rigid or pinned. Rigid column bases are favorable from steel structural point of view, but the cost of the basement may be higher. The beam-to-column joints are located at the maximum of the in-plane bending moment. The beam-to-beam joint is located at the ridge point. The suggested constructions of the joints are shown in the following paragraphs. Design of the joints is performed by the ConSteel/Joint software which follows the specifications of the EC3-1-8 standard. The application of the software is illustrated in the Annex 18. 8.2 Design of the column bases Theoretically there are three types of column bases: Simple (pinned) Semi-rigid Rigid The specific problems of the construction and the design of the column bases are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

8.2.1 Simple (pinned) column base Figure 55 shows the construction of the simple column base. The base plate is connected to the concrete basement by two anchor bolts. This construction may be used for hot-rolled or welded I or H sections as well as for tapered columns. The following sizes may lead to the optimal solution: 12-16 mm thick base plate 4.6, 4.8 or 5.6 grade of anchor bolt 20, 24 or 30 mm diameter of anchor bolt. This column base has been assumed as pinned connection in the static calculation for many years. According to EC3-1-8 this column bases construction belongs to the class of semirigid joints. However, the previous assumption (such as the simple column base is pinned) has not been led to any degradation or structural failure. For favorable practice we can declare that the simple column base can be considered as pinned joint. The resistance of the frame with simple column bases is higher than the resistance of the same frame with real pinned column bases. In case of relatively high depth sections (more than 400-500 mm) and thick base plate (thicker than 16 mm) the construction is not suggested applying. The moment resistance of the column base may be relatively large due to the considerable distance between the rotational point (compressed flange) and the anchor bolts. This constructional response may lead to considerable tension force in the anchor bolts. The tension force may destroy the anchor bolts or/and the base plate.

Fig.55 Simple column base construction with anchor bolts 8.2.2 Semi-rigid column base Figure 56 shows the typical construction of the semi-rigid column base. This column base may be applied for hot-rolled or welded columns. Basically, this construction leads to semirigid class. The rigid class may not be reached due to the following reasons: the cross-sectional area of the tensioned anchor bolts is relatively small the 8.8 or 10.9 grade of anchor bolts may lead large elongation too large base plate would be required. The moment resistance of this column base depends on the diameter and the grade of the anchor bolts, and the thickness and the extension of the base plate. Relatively large extension of base plate may disturb the architectural construction of the wall system. However, any construction with reasonable design parameters may lead to semi-rigid behavior, and the initial elastic stiffness of the joint should be taken in the analysis of the frame into consideration. Because of these problems this column base construction is not suggested using within the present design project. 3

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Fig.56 Semi-rigid column base construction 8.2.3 Rigid column base Figure 57 shows a special construction for rigid column bases. In the lack of design specifications the design of this construction requires special consideration. The algorithm of the calculation of the moment resistance is shown in the Annex 19. The ConSteel/Joint software follows this procedure. The stiffness classification of this construction is not performed, but it can be assumed that this column bases is rigid. Following design guidelines may lead to adequate and economical construction: First the design forces and moments should be defining (the quadratic equation for the length of the compressed concrete area can not be solved for excessive or extremely low design moment). The optimal height of the stiffener plates is about 200-300 mm, depending on the depth of the column section. The thickness of the stiffeners should be equal to, or grater than, the thickness of the flanges of the column section. The optimal size of the base plate has at least 100-100 mm extensions. The width of the base plate should be the minimum which is possible. The optimal thickness of the base plate is 20-30 mm, depending on the size of the column section. The grade of the anchor bolts should be 4.6, 4.8 or 5.6. The optimal diameter of the bolts depends on the thickness of the base plate. Extremely the diameter can be 48 or 56 mm. The type of the welds connecting the base plate to the stiffener is basically double fillet welds. In case of sections with narrow flanges (ex. IPE 300-400) a single fillet weld is used outside of the stiffener. For the safe the program takes the welds which located at the extended part of the base plate into consideration.

Fig.57 Rigid column base construction

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

8.2.4 Application The details of the design of the rigid column bases of the actual example are shown in this following paragraph. The design was performed by the ConSteel/Joint software. The application guide of the software can be found in the Annex 18.
4.7 Design of joints The frame consists of straight fabrication units (columns and beams) which are connected by moment resistant joints. Following joints are designed: - column bases - beam-to-column joints - beam-to-beam joint Design is performed by the ConSteel/Joint software. 4.7.1 Design of column bases Fix column bases were assumed in the analysis. Therefore rigid column bases sholud be designed. 4.7.1.1 Initial parameters Design forces - relevant load combination: LCC 5 - design forces NEd := 179.7 kN M y.Ed := 354.4 kN m Vz.Ed := 116.7 kN

Geometrical parameters - base plate: 460-780 (t=20) - stiffener plates: 240-780 (t=20) - anchor bolts: grade 5.6 M30 Welds - fillit welds which connect the column section to the base beam double welds at flanges: 5 double welds at web : 4 - fillit welds which connect the stiffener plates to base plate flange-to-stiffener weld: 5 stiffener-to-base plate weld: 6 4.7.1.2 Computer based design Results of the computer based design are shown in the picture below. The full design documentation can be found in the Annex.

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

8.3 Design of the beam-to-column joints 8.3.1 Types of joint construction From constructional point of view there are two solutions for the beam-to-column joint: end-plated end-plated with haunch. The aim of the design is a rigid and full strength joint excepting the situation where the construction does not allow full strength behavior. For example the beam-to-column joint with tapered structural members is normally partial strength joint. Figure 58 shows the joint construction with end-plate. The end-plate has 10-15 mm extension to ensure room for the double fillet welds. The extension may be neglected using deep penetration fillet or but welds, but the solution may be expensive.

Fig.58 Construction for beam-to-column joint with end-plate Figure 59 shows the beam-to-column solution with haunch. From the joint design point of view it does not matter that the haunch is short or long. The haunch is made from a piece of beam section which is cut across as it is illustrated in the figure.

cross cut

piece of beam section Fig.59 Construction for beam-to-column joint with haunch

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

8.3.2 Stiffeners Stiffeners are the important parts of the joint. The types of the stiffener can be the following: Web stiffener Flange stiffener Shear stiffener. The web stiffener is welded to the web of the column in the line of the beam flanges, see Figure 60. Stiffeners mean higher cost but basically they are needed to get rigid and full strength joint. (a) (b)

Fig.60 Web stiffeners in the beam-to-column joints (a) end-plated joint; (b) haunched joint The flange of the hot-rolled column may be reinforced by flange stiffener (backing plate), see Figure 61. The backing plate can be considered in the calculation if the plate is connected to the web of the column with appropriate size of weld.

Fig.61 Reinforced column flange using backing plate The resistance of the sheared column panel may be reinforced by shear stiffener, see Figure 62. The shear stiffeners may lead to much labor work.

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

(a)

(b)

Fig.62 Column web panel with shear stiffener (a) end-plated joint; (b) haunched joint 8.3.3 Design parameters The construction of the joint may lead to rigid and full strength joint if the next guidelines are followed: The Lb beam length may be taken as the distance between the two columns. The thickness of the end-plate should be equal to (or greater than) the thickness of the column flange. Thicker end-plate may be inefficient. The grade of bolts should be 10.9 rather than 8.8. The diameter of the bolts should exceed the thickness of the end-plate. The thickness of the web stiffeners should be equal to (or greater than) the thickness of the beam flange. Thicker stiffener may be inefficient. Shear stiffener is normally not applied. If it is applied, its thickness should be equal to the thickness of the web stiffeners. In many cases the resistance of the joint is determined by the resistance of the column flange for bending. The thickness of the flange of the welded sections may be increased using thicker plate at the joint, see the Paragraph 8.3.4. The flange of hotrolled sections may be reinforced by backing plate. The arrangement of the bolts may be based on two methods. The conservative method uses uniformly distributed bolts, while the progressive method applies the required number of tensioned bolts and one row of bolts at the compressed flange, see the Figure 60. In case of haunched beam the size of the room between the beam flange and the haunch flange should be checked: the bolt should be placed and turned freely. 8.3.4 Special construction for welded sections with high depth Extended end-plate or haunch are normally not used in the joints of tapered members, see the Figure 63a. Tapered members can be constructed with relatively thin web (6-8 mm) and flanges (12-16 mm). These thicknesses often lead to semi-rigid and partial strength joint. It is not suggested applying web and shear stiffeners to reinforce the thin web and flange plates. Instead of stiffeners special end construction is used where the web panel and the flange plate are replaced by thicker plates, see the Figure 63b. The replacing plates are 1,52,0 times thicker than the original ones.

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

(a)

(b)

Replacing web plate

Replacing flange plate

Fig.63 Beam-to-column joint of welded members with slender plates (a) original construction; (b) construction with replacing plates. 8.3.5 Application The details of the design of the rigid beam-to-column joint are shown in this paragraph. The design is performed by the ConSteel/Joint software. The application guide of the software can be found in the Annex 18.
4.7.2 Design of beam-to-column joint In the analysis rigid beam-to-column connections were assumed. Therefore moment resistant connections sholud be desined. The web panels should be stiffened by shear stiffener. 4.7.2.1 Initial design parameters Design forces - relevant load combination: LCC 4 - design forces in beam NEd := 142.2 kN

M y.Ed.1 := 368.0 kN m M y.Ed.2 := 469.6 kN m

Vz.Ed := 148.6 kN

reduced moment is used at connection (interpolation between two points) Lk := 3500 mm M y.Ed.red := M y.Ed.2 h c M y.Ed.2 M y.Ed.1
Lk 4

= 411.5kN m

in column

NEd := 171.0 kN

M y.Ed := 491.8 kN m

Vz.Ed := 114.3 kN

Geometrical parameters - end-plate: 240-750 (t=20) - flange of haunch: 240-3500 (t=20) - web of haunch : 300-3500 (t=6) - web stiffeners: 112-468 (t=16) - grade of bolts: M27 10.9 - shear stiffener: 460-700 (t=8) - backing plate: 112-700 (t=8)

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Welds - welds double fillet welds for upper flange: 6 double fillet welds for web: 3 double fillet welds for bottom flange: 6 - welds for haunch double fillet welds for flange: 7 double fillet welds for web: 3 4.7.2.2 Checking The results of the computer based design are shown in the picture (see below). The full computer documentation of the design can be found in the Annex.

8.4 Design of beam-to-beam joint 8.4.1 Joint constructions Design of the beam-to-beam joint is based on the design rules and constructional details which were used for to the design of the beam-to-column joints (see the Paragraph 8.3). Figure 64 shows the possible constructions. (a) (b) (c)

Fig.64 Constructions for the beam-to-beam joint

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Construction (a) leads to the lowest cost. If the utilization of the cross-sectional resistance of the beam is relatively low as well as the depth of the section is high (ex. IPE section), the construction may have adequate moment resistance. The moment resistance can be increased by two rows of tension bolts. Construction (b) with extended end-plate and tensioned bolts may give higher resistance. The size of the extension of the end-plate should be the minimum which is allowed by the bolts. Conservatively, extended web plate may be used too. Construction (c) gives the strongest joint, but the placing of the bolts in the room between the flanges of the beam and the haunch may lead to problems. Following the next guidelines the construction may lead to optimal joint: the Lb beam length may be taken as the distance between the two columns; the thickness of the end-plates are 16-25 mm, respectively, depending on the size of the beam section; it is suggested using the same grade and size which were used at the beam-to-column joints; construction (c) might be avoided; uniformly distributed and high density bolt arrangement might be avoided. 8.4.2 Application Details of the design of the rigid beam-to-beam joint are shown in this paragraph. The design is performed by the ConSteel/Joint software. Guidelines for the software application can be found in the Annex 18.

4.7.3 Design of beam-to-beam joint In the analysis rigid beam-to-beam connection was assumed. Therefore moment resistant end-plated connection should be designed. 4.7.3.1Initial parameters Design forces - relevant load combination: LCC 4 - design forces NEd := 109.2 kN Geometrical parameters - end-plate: 240-426 (t=20) - grade of bolts: 10.9 M27 Welds - double fillet welds at upper flange: 6 - double fillet welds at web: 3 - double fillet welds at bottom flange: 6 4.7.3.2 Checking The results of the computer based design procedure are shown by the picture (see below). The full computer documentation can be found in Annex. M y.Ed := 172.6 kN m Vz.Ed := 19.3 kN m

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Annex 18 Design of the end-plated moment resistant joints using the ConSteel software
(application guide) M.18.1 Execute the csJoint program (starting) The csJoint program can be executed in two modes: within the ConSteel program directly (csJoint.exe) There two modes to execute the program within the ConSteel program: model independent based on structural model Both of the two modes are shown below, but details are given for the structural model based design method. M.18.1.1 Model independent mode The csJoint program can be executed within the ConSteel program. Actual structural model is not needed for this application. First a new structural model folder should be created, and then the Structural members label (1), and then the Edit joints option (2) should be selected, see Figure M18.1. If there are joint models in the folder, the actual model can be selected from the list (3). If there is no model in the folder or a new model is wanted creating, the Create option (4) should be selected. 1

Fig.M18.1 Execute csJoint program within the ConSteel and create new joint model In the appeared table the Name (5) of the joint model should be given firstly, and then the sections of the joint can be selected by the Load sections option (6). By the Next option (7) the design of the joint can be started, see Figure M18.2. M.19.1.2 Structural model based mode The structural model based mode requires a structural model which has the joints to be designed. First the Structural members label (8) and then the Create joint by model option (9) should be selected, see Figure M18.3. The joint can be created by clicking on the 13

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Fig.M18.2 Give the name of the joint model and select sections 8 9

Fig.M18.3 Create joint model by model based mode actual node of the structural model. The program realizes the type of the joint and the sections which compose the joint. Figure M18.4 shows the procedure where the column base is created by the model based mode (10-12).

11

13

12

10 Fig.M18.4 Create column base by model based mode If the joint consists of more than two members, the joint model can be simplified by neglecting members (13).

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

M.18.1.3 Model independent mode The ConSteel/Joint software can be executed directly by the csJoint. This mode is useful when there is no ConSteel structural model or the model was built up in other software. Figure M18.5 shows the starting panel where the actual existing joint folder (14) can be opened, or a new joint folder can be created (15). In case of new folder the name of it should be given, and then the design procedure can be started by the Create option. From this point the program follows the steps described in the Paragraph M18.1.1.

15

14

Fig.M18.5 Starting panel of the csJoint software M.18.2 Design of simple column base First the type of the joint (16) and then the type of the column base (17) should be selected, see Figure M18.6. Using the Create option (18) the design panel appears with the initial construction of the simple column base, see Figure M18.7.

17 16

18 Fig.M18.6 Select the type of the joint and the type of the column base First the End-Plate option (19) of the menu may be selected, and then the design parameters of the base plate and the initial bolt arrangement can be defined, see Figure M18.8. The relevant values of the design parameters may be the follows: Number of bolt rows (20): 1 Position of end-plate (21): -15 Height (22): actual value Thickness (23): 12 or 16 Bolt distances (24): actual value

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

19

Fig.M18.7 The design panel with the initial column base construction 22 23

21

20

24

Fig.M18.8 Initial and final settings of the design parameters In the next step the Joint loading option (25) may be selected and then the Input of joint loading (26) and the User defined joint loading (27) options, see Figure M18.9.

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

26 25 28

27

29

30 31

Fig.M18.9 Design joint loading and results of design The design force table can be opened by the New option (28). According to the rules of directions (see the figure below the force table) the normal force (29) and the shear force (30) can be defined. The results of the checking (31) can be found in the table at the right hand side part of the design panel. M.18.3 Design of rigid column base First the type of the joint and then the type of the column base (32) should be selected, see the Figure M18.10. The design panel and the initial construction of the rigid column base appear by the Create option (33), see the Figure M18.11. In the next step the Joint loading option (25) can be selected, and then the Input of joint loading (26) and the User defined joint loading (27) options can be switched on, see the Figure M18.9. The design force table can be opened by the New option (28). According to the rules of directions the design forces can be given, see the Figure M18.12. The results of the actual checking (34) can be found in the table at the right hand side part of the design panel, where the actual error message (red color message) means that the size of the base beam is too low. Selecting the Base plate option (35) the height of the plate (36) can be increased as far as the error message disappears, see the Figure M18.13.

32 33

Fig.M18.10 Select the type of column base

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Fig.M18.11 Initial construction for the rigid column base

34

Fig.M18.12 Set design loading and discuss the result of the checking 36

35

Fig.M18.13 Set the adequate height of the base beam 18

Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

In the next step the size of the stiffeners (37-39) and the welds (40-41) can be set, see the Figure M18.14. 37

39

40

41

38

Fig.M18.14 Set the adequate size of the stiffeners and the welds

The optimal construction may be reached by the change of the design parameters, see Figure M18.15. The construction of the column base may be optimal if the following guidelines are met: the maximum utilization is close to 100%; the other utilizations are high as possible; the height of the stiffeners is low as possible; the thickness of the base plate is low as possible; the width and the height of the base plate is low as possible; the diameter of the anchor bolts is low as possible.

Fig.M18.15 The optimal construction

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

M.18.4 Design of beam-to-column joint with haunched beam First the type of the joint (42) and then the type of the connection (43) should be selected, see Figure M18.16. The design panel and the initial construction of the beam-to-column joint appears by the OK option (44), see the Figure M18.17. 42 43

44 Fig.M18.16 Type of joint and connection

Fig.M18.17 Initial construction for the beam-to-column joint The required joint construction can be reached by the following steps: Height of the column The Column option of the menu should be selected and then the Lc Average height of column (45) should be given. The Lsr Position of reference plane (46) may be taken as 10-15 mm, see the Figure M18.18.

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

45

46

Fig.M18.18 Height of the column Slope of the beam The slope of the beam can be set in the Position of beam sub-panel (47), see the Figure M18.19.

47

Fig.M18.19 Slope of the beam Size of the haunch Selecting the Beam option (48) and the Haunch on bottom flange label (49) and then selecting the Haunch with flange option (50) the size of the haunch can be set. Initial size can be generated by the Default option (51). The optional bottom web stiffener can be positioned to the flange of the haunch (it is suggested) if the Assign the stiffener to haunch flange option (52) is switched on, see the Figure M18.20.

49 48 50

52

51

Fig.M18.20 Set the haunch for the beam

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Size and position of the end-plate Selecting the End-plate option (53) the position (54) and the height (55) of the endplate can be set, see Figure M.18.21. 55

53 56

54

Fig.M18.21 Size of the end-plate Grade and size of the bolts The grade and the size of the bolts can be defined using the Modify option (56). In the appeared table first of all the size of the bolt (57) and the grade of the material (58) can be set, see the Figure M18.22.

57

58

Fig.M18.22 Size and grade of the bolts Arrangement of the bolts Selecting the End-plate option (53) the arrangement of the bolts can be set in the Vertical positions of bolts sub-table (59), Figure M.18.23. First the number of the bolts (60) should be set and then the positions of the rows (61). The setting is controlled by graphics (62). Web stiffeners Web stiffeners are applied optionally. Selecting the Stiffeners option (63) the upper (64) and the lower (65) web stiffeners can be switched on, respectively, see Figure M.18.24. The initial thicknesses of the stiffeners are the minimum (they are equal to the thickness of the flanges).

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

59 60 62

61

Fig.M18.23 Set arrangement of the bolts

63

64

65

Fig.M18.24 Web stiffeners Design joint loading Selecting the Joint Loading option (66) the Input of joint loading (67) and the User defined joint loading (68) options can be switched on. In the next step the design forces should be wrote into the force table (69), see Figure M18.25. 67 66 68

69

Fig.M18.25 Design joint loading

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

The construction of the joint and the result of the checking are shown on the design panel, see Figure M18.26. The no adequate utilizations of the components are written by red color (70).

70

Fig.M18.26 Evaluation of the design The next step is to refine the design parameters. Keeping the following guidelines the optimal construction can be reached: The thickness of the end-plate is optimal if the moment resistance is not increased applying thicker plate. The size of the bolts is optimal if the moment resistance is not increased applying greater diameter. The number of the bolt rows is optimal if the moment resistance is not increased or slightly increased applying more rows. It is checked that the Lb beam length is equal to the distance between the columns. If the design is not adequate, the sizes of the joint components determined by the program should be changed. Figure M18.27 shows a program message as an example.

Fig.M18.27 The weakest components determined by the program

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Higher shear resistance for the web component of hot rolled section may be reached by shear stiffeners (71) such as diagonal plates (72) or additional web plate (73), see Figure M18.28. Thicker column web plate rather than web stiffener may be used in case of welded section. 71

72 73

Fig.M18.28 Web stiffeners Sometimes the weakest component of the joint is the column flange. In case of hot rolled sections the flange may be reinforced by backing plate (74-76), see Figure M18.29. In case of welded sections thicker flange plate rather than backing plate may be used. 74 75 76

Fig.M18.29 Backing plate to reinforce the column flange of the hot rolled section M.18.5 Design of beam-to-column joint with tapered members The creation of the beam-to-column joint can be seen in the Figure M18.16. The beam and the column are welded sections with 240-16 flanges and 868-8 web, respectively. The initial construction which is generated by the program is shown in Figure M18.30. Because of the relatively high web haunch or extended end-plate are not used. If the following guidelines are met in the design, an optimal construction can be reached:

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Fig.M18.30 Initial construction for the beam-to-column joint of tapered members Selecting the Column menu option the Lsr (length of the column up to the reference plane) may be defined as 15-20 mm, and the Lc (actual length of the column) should be defined, see the Figure M18.31.

Fig.M18.31 The actual length of the column Selecting the Beam menu option the Lb (length of the beam) may be defined as the distance between the two columns, and the (slope of beam) can be given, see the Figure M18.32.

Fig.M18.32 The length and the slope of the beam

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Ferenc Papp Steel Buildings Design notes

Selecting the Stiffeners menu option the Use upper stiffener and the Use lower stiffener options should be switched on, see the Figure M18.33.

Fig.M18.33 The web stiffeners Selecting the Joint loading menu option the design forces should be defined according to the rules of directions which are shown by the figure, see the Figure M18.34.

Fig.M18.34 Design joint loading Selecting the End-plate menu option the Position of end-plate should be defined as 15-20 mm, according to the actual value of Lsr parameter. Later the Height end-plate parameter should be defined which is adequate if there is room for the outer fillet weld at the bottom flange of the beam, see the Figure M18.35. Selecting the Modify option the grade of the bolts can be defined as 10.9 (optionally 8.8) and the diameter of the bolts can be defined as 24 or 27 mm. The number of bolt rows can be selected as 3 or 4. The adequate bolt arrangement is defined in the Pitch of holes table.

After the first setting of the parameters the result of the checking should be examined. Figure M18.36 shows the actual design situation of the example. The problems emerged by the program should be solved by the next steps: The column web thickness does not satisfy the requirements. This problem may be solved if 1,5-2,0 times thicker web plate is used, see the Figure 63. In the example 14 mm thick column web is used. New reinforced column section can be defined according to the Figure M18.37.

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Fig.M18.35 Size of the end-plate and the bolt arrangement

Fig.M18.36 Result of the checking (not adequate!)

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Fig.M18.37 New cross-section The utilization of the moment resistance of the joint is more than 100%. The resistance can be increased using 1,5-2,0 times thicker column flange at the connection, see the Figure 63. In the example 20 mm thick column flange is used. The shear stiffness of the web is too low, therefore the joint is semi-rigid. The shear stiffness can be increased if shear stiffener is applied, see the Figure M18.38.

Fig.M18.38 Shear stiffeners After refining the joint parameters the checking of the joint may show an adequate beamto-column construction, see Figure M18.39.

Fig.M18.39 The adequate beam-to-column joint (reinforced column end and shear stiffener are used in the example)

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