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.
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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

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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

Vz.Ed := 148.6 kN

M y.Ed.2 := 469.6 kN m
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

= 411.5kN m

in column

NEd := 171.0 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)

M y.Ed := 491.8 kN m

Vz.Ed := 114.3 kN

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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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

M y.Ed := 172.6 kN m

Vz.Ed := 19.3 kN m

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.

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Steel Buildings Design notes

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Steel Buildings Design notes

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
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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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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.

14

15

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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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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Steel Buildings Design notes

26

27

25
28

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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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

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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

40

39

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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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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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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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

54

53
56

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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Steel Buildings Design notes

59
60
62

61

Fig.M18.23 Set arrangement of the bolts

63

65

64

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
68

66

69

Fig.M18.25 Design joint loading

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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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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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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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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.

27

Ferenc Papp
Steel Buildings Design notes

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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Ferenc Papp
Steel Buildings Design notes

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)

29