DESIGN OF

CONNECTION
Introduction
■ General definition:
– Connections or joints are used to transfer the forces supported
by a structural member to other parts of the structure or to the
supports.
■ EN 1993-1-8 definitions;
– Connection consists of fasteners such as bolts, pin, rivets or
weld and the local member elements connected by these
fasteners
– A joint consists of the zone in which the members are
connected and includes the connection as well as the portions
of the member or members at the joint needed to facilitate the
action being transferred.
■ The arrangement of a joint is usually chosen to suit
– The type of action (force and/or moment)
– The type of member such as tension or compression member,
beam or beam-column being connected.
 Types of connections
■ For buildings designed to resist essentially static loading,
including wind loads, it will normally be sufficient to design
connections to resist forces that primarily act in one direction
only
1.Connection between members
1 of roof truss
2
2.Truss to column
6
5
3 3.Beam to column

4.Column to base

5.Splice joint beam to beam

4

6.Splice joint column to column

 Joints configurations
■ Single sided beam to column connection
■ Double sided beam to column connection

■ Beam to beam joints

■ Beam slices

■ Braced connection
■ Column base
 Bolts connection

■ Bolt mainly used in connection to resist shear on the surface

of plates and tensile force along the axis of the bolts.

Bolt head Bolt dia

Shank Thread
(tensile
area)
Design of Connection Consideration
■ Bolted Lap joint
– A basic connection aimed at transferring forces between plates
subjected to tension

F
F

F/2
F
F/2

– To achieve this force, in practice, bolted and welds represents

more common connection means
 F F
F F
F F

F F F
F F F

Front welds Lateral welds Front welds and

lateral welds

F F
F F

F F F F

Bolts Hybrid (Bolts and welds)

■ Bolted T-Stubs
– The transfer of tensile forces in bolted connections is often achieved
through following basic component :
■ Column flange in bending
■ End plate in bending
■ Or cleat leg in bending
– The resistance of such plate components is based on a geometrical
idealisation of the tension zone
Visualization of equivalent T-Stubs in
bolted beam to column connection
1. Header plate connections

– Main component: a steel plate, a filled weld on both sides of

the supported beam web and two single or two double vertical
bolt lines
2. Fin plate connections

– component: a fin plate, a filled weld on both sides of

the plate and a single or double vertical bolt line.
3. Web cleat connections

– Characteristic by two web cleats and three single or double

vertical bolt lines (two on the supporting element and one on
the supported member)
4. Other simple connections

– Other type of beam to column connections are considered as

hinges.
– Nowadays EC3 part 1-8 classified them as semi-rigid
 ■ Bolt may transfer loads by shear and bearing, by friction
plates and clamped together or by tension
■ The use of bolts often facilitates the assembly of a structure,
as only very simple tools are required.

Shear and bearing joint Preloaded friction-grip joint Tension joint

Bolt type
■ Two classes of bolt: normal bolts and high strength bolts (preload
bolts)
– Preload Bolts
To improve serviceability performance or fatigue resistance
Design for dynamic loading
■ Only non-preload cover
■ Their design geometrical and mechanical characteristic are given
in Table below:
■ design geometrical and mechanical characteristic are given in
Table below:

Table 1 : Bolts area

d (mm) 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 27 30

A (mm2) 50 78 113 154 201 254 314 380 452 573 707

As (mm2) 36 58 84 115 157 192 245 303 353 459 561

Table 2 : Nominal values of the yield strength fyb and the ultimate tensile
strength fub for bolts (Table 3.1 EC3-1-8)
Bolt class 4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8 8.8 10.9

fyb (N/mm2) 240 320 300 400 480 640 900

fub (N/mm2) 400 400 500 500 600 800 1000

At = tensile area of the bolt according to EN20898-1.

2
  3  H 
 d −   H + do −   
=  / 4 8  6 
 2 
 
 

Where:

H= Height of fundamental triangle

= 8/5(d-do)/2
d = thread outer diameter
do=thread root diameter
■ Common bolt :
– Black hexagon bolt which is usually specified in two strength
grades:
■ Grade 4.6 ( mild steel ) , yield stress 240N/mm2
■ Grade 8.8 ( high strength steel ) yield stress 640 N/mm2
– HSFG bolt (high strength friction grip)
■ Specified in Grade 8.8 and grade 10.9
■ Blind bolting

Lindapter Hollobolt Ultra Twist bolt Flowdrill

Bolt :Geometric consideration
■ Hole size
– for bolts ups to and including diameters of 24mm, the clearance
should be 2mm and above 24 mm should be 3 mm.
– Table 11 in EN 1090-2 gives nominal clearances for bolts and pin
(mm)
– Normal clearance holes, as given for ordinary bolts, are usually
used for preloaded bolting assemblies but it is permissible to use
oversize, short or long slotted holes, provided standard hardened
washers are used over the holes in the outer plies and not just
under turn part.
– The assessment of the slip resistance is affected when oversize or
slotted holes are used. The constant ks (Table 3.6 EC3-1-8), which
is 1.0 for bolts in clearance holes, is educed to 0.85-0.63
depending on the length slotted hole and its orientation to the
direction of load transfer.
 Table 3 : Nominal clearances for bolts and pins (mm)
(Extract from Table 11 of EN 1090-2)

Nominal bolt or pin diameter d (mm) 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 27 and

over
Normal round holes a 1 bc 2 3
Oversize round holes 3 4 6 8
Short slotted holes (on the length) d 4 6 8 10
Long slotted holes (on the length) d 1,5 d
aFor application such as towers and masts the nominal clearance for normal round holes
shall be reduced by 0,5 mm unless otherwise specified.

b For coated fasteners, 1 mm nominal clearance can be increased by the coating thickness of
the fastener.

cBolts with nominal diameter 12 and 14 mm, or countersunk bolts may also be used in 2 mm
clearance holes under conditions given in EN 1993-1-8.

d For bolts in slotted holes the nominal clearance across the width shall be the same as the
clearance on diameter specified for normal round holes.
■ Spacing of fasteners, end and edge distance
– The maximum spacing requirement is to ensure that the section
of plate between bolts does not buckle when it is in compression.
– The requirement for minimum spacing is to ensure that local
crushing in the wake of a bolt does not affect any adjacent bolt.
– Lifting of the edges are prevented by specifying a maximum edge
distance. Specifying minimum edge distance may prevent edge
splitting or tearing.
– Spacing requirement is covered fully in Clause 3.5 of EN 1993-1-8
.
– Minimum bolt spacing and edge and end distances are as below,
where do is the fastener (bolt) hole diameter. These values are
defined in Table 6.4 or in Table 3.3 of EC3-1-8.
■ Minimum spacing of bolts in the direction of load transfer p1=2.2do
■ Minimum end distance in the direction of load transfer e1=1.2do
 Table 4 : Minimum and maximum spacing, end and edge distance
(Table 3.3 of EC3-1-8)

Maximum 1) 2) 3)
Structures made of
Structures made of steels according to EN 10025
Distance and steels according to
except steel acc. to EN 10025-5
spacing, See figure Minimum EN 10025-5
1 Steel not exposed to
Steel exposed to the
the weather or other Steel upon
weather or other
corrosive influence unprotected
corrosive influence

The larger of 18t or

End distance e1 1,2do 4t + 40 mm
125 mm
End distance e2 1,2do 4t + 40 mm
The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14tmin
Spacing p1 2,2do
200 mm 200 mm or 175 mm
The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14tmin
Spacing p2 2,4do
200 mm 200 mm or 175 mm
1) Maximum values for spacing, edge and end distance are unlimited, except in the
following cases:
– For compression members in order to avoid local buckling and to prevent
corrosion in exposed members and
– For exposed tension members to prevent corrosion
2) The local buckling resistance of the plate in compression between the fasteners
should be calculated according to EN 1993-1-1 as column-like buckling by using
0.6pi as buckling length. Local buckling between fasteners need to be checked if p 1/t
is smaller the 9ε. The edge distance should not exceed the maximum to satisfy local
buckling requirements for an outstand element in the compression members, see
EN1993-1-1. the end distance is not effected by this requirement
3) t is the thickness of the thinner outer connected part

Figure 1 : Symbols for end and edge distance and spacing of

fasteners (Figure3.1 of EC3-1-8)
 Principle of load transmission
■ Shear
– In this case the load is transmitted into and out of the bolts by
bearing on the connected plates. The forces in the bolts are
transmitted by transverse shear
■ Tension force
– In the case of moment loading (M) only, the tension part
of the load is transmitted by axial tension in the bolt
■ Combined tension and shear force
– In the case of combined moment (M) and transverse loading (V),
the bolts may be required to transmit a combination of transverse
shear and axial tension.
– In Figure below, the bolts A transmit transverse shear, while the
bolts B transmit a combination of shear and tension or shear and
compression

Bolts that are not preloaded to a

predetermined preload, may be called
"non-preloaded bolts" or "ordinary bolts".
In case of a shear connection (in
Figure)these bolts are also called
"bearing type" bolts
■ Spliced joint
– The principal action on a bolt in a splice joint of the type shown in
Figure is shearing on its cross-sectional plane caused by bearing
between opposing plates in the joint.
– The elastic distribution of these bearing stresses and the stresses
produced in the bolt are complex. However, for fully developed
plastic conditions, the distribution of shear stress is effectively
uniform so that the shear strength is the product of the cross-
section area of the bolt in the shear plane and the shear strength
of the material
Modes of failure

a) Bolt shear
b) Plate shear or tear-out
c) Bolt bearing
d) Plate bearing
e) Bolt tension failure
f) Tension on net section
 Design resistance of bolt
■ BS EN 1993-1-8 assign bolted connections to one of five categories:
– Category A: Bearing-type
■ No preloading is required and the resistance is the less of the design
shear or bearing resistance
– Category B: Slip resistant at serviceability limit state
■ Preloading is sufficient to ensure that slip does not occur under
serviceability loading but at the ultimate limit state the bolt acts as a
category A bearing type
– Category C: Slip resistance at ultimate limit state
■ The design slip resistance should be greater than the design ultimate
shear load.
– Category D: Non-preload bolts loaded in tension, which are not suitable in
connections where the tensile loading fluctuates.
– Category E: Preloaded bolts loaded in tension, which require controlling
tightening.
■ Non-preloaded structural bolting assemblies have to resist force in
shear and bring or tension, or combination of these
■ Shear
– The resistance Fv of a bolt in shear depends on the shear strength
of bolt ( of tensile strength fub) and the area A of the bolt in a
particular shear plane (either gross area or tensile stress area
through the threads As , as appropriate)
– EC3-1-8 requires the design shear force Fv,Ed to be limited by

Fv, Ed  Fv, Rd
– The shear resistance per shear plane , Fv,Rd, is given by

 v f ub A
Fv , Rd = ( Table 3.4 EC3-1-8)
M2
Where the shear plane passes through the threaded portion of the bolt ( A is
the tensile area of the bolt As)
– For class 4.6, 5.6 and 8.8
αv = 0,6
– For class 4.8, 5.8and 6.8 and 10.9
αv = 0,5
Where the shear plane passes through the unthreaded portion of the bolt ( A
is the gross section of the bolt)
αv = 0,6
– In preloaded shear connection, shear force is resist by friction until
the slip occurs. The slip resistance, Fs,Rd is given by:

k s n
Fs , Rd = Fp , C (Clause 3.9.1 of EC3-1-8)
M3
Where ;
ks is given in Table 5 ( Table 3.6 of EC3-1-8)
n is the number of friction surfaces.
μ is the slip factor which may obtained from tests conducted in
accordance with standard from Table 18 of BS EN 1090-2 or
Table 3.7 of EC3-1-8 (reproduced here as Table 6)
Fp,C is the preloading force, which for class 8.8 and 10.9 bolts with
controlled tightening, My be taken as 0.7 fub As

Table 5 : Values of ks (Table 3.6 of EC3-1-8)

Description ks
Bolts in normal holes 1,0
Bolts in either oversized holes or short slotted holes with the axis of the slot 0,85
perpendicular to the direction of load transfer
Bolts in long slotted holes with the axis of the slot perpendicular to the direction of load 0,7
transfer.
Bolts in short slotted holes with the axis of the slot parallel to the direction of load 0,76
transfer.
Bolts in long slotted holes with the axis of the slot parallel to the direction of load 0,63
transfer
 Table 6: slip factors (Extract from Table 18 of EN1090-2)

Surface treatment Class Slip factor

μ
Surface blasted with shot or grit with loose rust A 0,50
removed, not pitted
Surface blasted with shot or grit B 0,40
a) spray-metallized with a aluminium or zinc based
product;
b) With alkali-zinc silicate paint with a thickness of
50 μm to 80 μm
Surface cleaned by wire-brushing or flame cleaning, C 0,30
with loose rust removed
Surface as rolled D 0,20
■ Bearing
– Controlled by either deformation of the bolt or the bearing resistance
of the plates or section through which the bolt pass, and is a function
of the position of the bolt holes.
■ i.e. end, edge and pitch distances
– For bearing the resistance is given by

k1 b f u dt
Fb , Rd = (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)
M2
■ Where αb is the smallest of αd , fub/fu or 1.0
■ fu is the ultimate tensile strength of the connected parts and (with
reference to Figure 1):
■ In the direction of load transfer,

e1
d = for end bolts
3d 0
p1
d = − 0.25 for inner bolts
3d 0

Where αb is the smallest of αd ; fub/fu ; 1.0

■ Perpendicular to the direction of load transfer k1, is the smaller of:

 e 
 2.8  2 − 1.7  or 2.5 for edge bolts
 d0 
 p 
1.4  2 − 1.7  or 2.5 for inner bolts
 d0 
■ Verification
– for the situation in which bearing failure occurs in the bolt rather
than the plate
f u dt
Fb, Ed  Fb, Rd =
 M2
– for situation in which bearing failure of the plate ( where a bolt
bears against part of the surface of bolt hole through the plate)

k1 b f u dt
Fb, Ed  Fb, Rd =
 M2
■ Tension
– The resistance of a bolt in tension depends on the tensile strength
fub of the bolt and the minimum cross-sectional area of the
threaded length of the bolt, the design force is limited to

Ft ,Ed  Ft ,Rd

– The design tension resistance , Ft,Rd of bolt is given in EC3-1-8

Table 3.4 as;

k 2 f ub As
Ft , Rd =
M2
where ;
As is the tensile area of bolt
k2 = 0.9 (Except for countersunk bolts, where k2 = 0.63
■ Combination shear and tension

– Non- preloaded bolt which are subjected to both tension and shear
should satisfy the following relationship;
Fv , Ed f t , Ed
+  1.0 (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)
Fv , Rd 1.4 Ft , Rd
– This expression allows a bolt fully loaded in tension to also resist
shear forces up to approximately 30% of the design resistance
– Preloaded bolts in friction grip connections that are also subjected to
externally applied tension should satisfy (Clause 3.9.2)
■ For category B connection (slip resistance at SLS)
k s n ( Fp ,C − 0.8Ft , Ed ,ser
Fs , RD, ser =
 M 3,ser
■ For a category C connection ( slip resistance at ULS)
k s n ( Fp ,C − 0.8Ft , Ed )
Fs , RD =
M3
■ Packing and long joints
– Special provision are made when using oversize or
slotted holes or countersunk bolts.
– Where bolts transmit load in shear and bearing and
pass through packing of total thickness tp

Figure 4 : Fasteners through packing

– The design shear resistance should be reduced by a

factor βp given by
9d
p =
8d + 3t p But βp ≤ 1.0
– Provisions are also given for
■ injection bolts ( Clause 3.6.2 of EN3-1-8)
■ bolts groups in bearing( Clause 3.7 of EN3-1-8)
■ Long joints ( Clause 3.8 of EN 1993-1-8)
– For long joints, the design resistance of all fasteners should be
reduced by multiplying by the reduction factor βLf

L j − 15d
 Lf = 1 − but 0.75   Lf  1.0
200 d

Where Lj is the distance between the centres of the end bolts in

joint
Example 6.1 : Bolt in single shear
■ Problem : Calculate the strength of the bolts in the lap slice
shown below assuming the use of M20 Grade 4.6 bolts in 22
mm clearance holes and Grade S275 plate.
Solution:
1) Shear resistance
Bolts are in single shear and it is assumed that the shear plane passes
through the threaded portion of the bolts:
αv=0.6
fub = 400 N/mm2 Table 3.1 of EC3-1-8/ISO
A=As = 245 mm2 898

M2=1.25
Shear resistance per bolt, Fv,Rd:
 v f ub A 0.6  400  245
Fv, Rd = = = 47040 N = 47.0 kN
 M2 1.25
2) Bearing resistance
Bearing resistance per bolt , Fb,Rd:
k1 b f u dt
Fb, Rd =
 M2
From geometry : p1 = 60 mm, e1 = 40 mm, e2 = 40 mm, do = 22 mm
From EN10025-2, fu of plate (Grade S275, t>3 mm) = 410 N/mm 2.

For end bolts, d = e1 = 40 = 0.606

3d 0 66
p 60
For inner bolts,
 d = 1 − 0.25 = − 0.25 = 0.66
3d 0 66
 e 
For edge bolts, k1 is the smaller of  2.8  2 − 1.7  or 2.5
 d0 

 40 
 2.8  − 1.7  = 3.4  k1 = 2.5
 22 
fub/fu = 400/410 = 0.98
αb is the smallest of αd ; fub/fu ; 1.0
For end bolts αb = 0.61 and the inner bolts αb = 0.66
Therefore for end bolts,
k1 b f u dt 2.5  0.61  410  20  16
Fb, Rd = = = 160.1 kN
 M2 1.25

And, for inner bolt

k1 b f u dt 2.5  0.66  410  20  16
Fb, Rd = = = 173.1 kN
 M2 1.25

 Clearly the resistance of the joint is controlled by the strength in

shear. Therefore, the resistance of the tension splice as governed by
the shear resistance of the bolts = 3 x 47.0 = 141 kN.
Example 6.2: Bolt in double shear

■ Problem : Calculate the strength of the bolts in the lap slice shown
below assuming the use of M20 Grade 4.6 bolts in 22 mm clearance
holes and Grade S275 plate
Solution:
1) Shear resistance
Bolts are in double shear and it is assumed that two shear plane
passes through the threaded portion of the bolts:
αv=0.6
fub = 400 N/mm2
A=As = 245 mm2
M2=1.25

Shear resistance per bolt, Fv,Rd:

 v f ub A 0.6  2  400  245

Fv, Rd = = = 94.0 kN
 M2 1.25
2) Bearing resistance
■ Bearing resistance per bolt , Fb,Rd:
k1 b f u dt
Fb, Rd =
 M2
From geometry : p1 = 60 mm, e1 = 40 mm, e2 = 40 mm, do = 22 mm
From EN10025-2, fu of plate (Grade S275, t>3 mm) = 410 N/mm 2.

e1 40
For end bolts,  d = = = 0.606
3d 0 66
p1 60
For inner bolts,  d = 3d 0
− 0.25 =
66
− 0.25 = 0.66

 e2 

For edge bolts, k1 is the smaller of  2.8  − 1.7  or 2.5
 d 0 

 40 
 2.8  − 1.7  = 3.4  k1 = 2.5
 22 
 fub/fu = 400/410 = 0.98
αb is the smaller of : αd ; fub/fu ; 1.0
For end bolts αb = 0.61 and the inner bolts αb = 0.66

Therefore for end bolts,

k1 b f u dt 2.5  0.61  410  20  16
Fb, Rd = = = 160.1 kN
 M2 1.25
And, for inner bolt
k1 b f u dt 2.5  0.66  410  20  16
Fb, Rd = = = 173.1 kN
 M2 1.25

 Clearly the resistance of the joints is controlled by the strength in shear.

Therefore, the resistance of the tension splice as govern by the shear
resistance of the bolts = 3 x 94.0 = 282 kN.
Verify the connection in Figure below is adequate
Splice plate 95 x 50

Given:
2 Nos 100 x 65 x 8 
Bolt 20 mm dia Grade 4.6
Bolt holes 22 mm dia
Steel Grade S275

Permanent load (tension) = 85 kN

Variable load (tension) = 95 kN
Eccentric connection (bracket connections)

■ Generally these types of connections are used to resist

applied moment and shear. Usually these kinds of connection
are commonly used when the applied load is not located in
the column axis
■ There are two principle types of eccentrically loaded connection

Moment at 90o to plane of

Moment in plane of
connection (Direct shear and
connection ( direct shear and
tension)
torsion)
Moment in plane of connection (direct shear and torsion)

Suppose force in each bolt due to

P moment is F1, F2, F3,…Fn with the
e
distance of r1,r2,r3…rn respectively.

Therefore :
y Applied moment Mi = Pe

-y
Resistance Moment of bolts
Mr = F1r1+F2r2+F3r3

But F1 α r1, F2 α r2 or F1 = kr1, F2 = kr2

-z z
F1 F2 F
k= = = ......... = n
r1 r2 rn
F1 r2
 F2 =
r1
The bolt size is then determined from the maximum load on bolt
Example 6.3: Shear and Torsion
Problem: Determine the suitable bolt size

155mm P=100kN

3@100mm
200kN

2@70mm
 Solution:
1) Load due to shear,
P 100
Fv, Ed = = = 12.5 kN
n 8
1) Load due to moment,
P.e.r1
Ft , Ed =
( z2 +  y2 )
r = 70 2 + 150 2 = 165.53 mm

z 2
= 8  70 2 = 39200
3@100mm y 2
= 4  150 2 + 4  50 2 = 100000

100  155  165.53

Ft , Ed = = 18.43 kN
139200

2@70mm
3) Resultant load

Fr , Ed = (F
v , Ed
2
+ Ft , Ed + 2 Fv ,ed Ft , Ed cos
2
)
  70  
= 12.5 2 + 18.43 2 + 212.5  18.43   
  165 .53  
= 26.28 kN
4) Try bolt 16mm dia grade 4.6
Shear resistance per bolt,
 v Fub A 0.6  400  157
f v , Rd = = = 30.1 kN
 M2 1.25

 fv,Rd >fr,Ed, ok

5) Other checking if necessary

■ Limit shear force, Fv,Rd = 30.1 12.5 kN ok
k1 b f u dt
■ Limit bearing strength, Fb, Rd =
 M2
Moment at 90o to the plane of connection (Bolt in shear and tension)
■ For this kind of connection there are several checks need to be carried
out to ensure the adequacy of the connection
– Tension resistance (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)
k 2 f u b As
Ft , Ed  Ft , Rd =
 M2

where : k2=0,63 for countershank bolt, otherwise k2=0,9.

– Shear resistance per shear plane (Table 3.4 of EC31-8)
v fu b A
Fv , Ed  Fv , Rd =
 M2
– Combined shear and tension (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)

Fv , Ed Ft , Ed
+  1.0
Fv , Rd 1.4 Ft , Rd
 Shear

Tension
■ Method of analysis
– Approximate analysis (assumption)
■ Centre of rotation is assumed at the bottom bolt of group
■ The tension force vary linearly
■ The applied shear is distributed equally to each bolt
Note: For more accurate method analysis, the applied moment is assumed resisted by the
bolt in tension as well as by an area the bottom of the bracket in compression. The area
approximately covers about h/7 from the bottom of the bracket
Example 6.4: Eccentricity connection ( Bolt
in shear and tension)
Problem: Determine the suitable bolt size
Solution:
1) Force due to direct shear
P 138
Fv, Ed = = = 13.8 kN
n 10

2) Force due to moment

P.e. y1 138  300  400
Ft , Ed = = = 27.6 kN
2 y 2 2(100 2 ) + 2(200 2 ) + 2(300 2 ) + 2(400 2 )

Try bolt 20 mm dia. Grade 4.6

3) Carry out the verification

k 2 f u b As 0.9  400  245
Ft , Rd = = = 70.5 kN
 M2 1.25

 v f u b A 0.6  400  245

Fv , Rd = = = 47 kN
 M2 1.25
i) Ft,Ed < Ft,Rd i.e. 27.6 kN < 70.5 kN ok

ii) Fv,Ed < Fv,Rd i.e. 13.8 kN < 47 kN ok

Fv , Ed Ft , Ed 13.8 27.6
iii) + = + = 0.3 + 0.28 = 0.58  1.0  ok
Fv , Rd 1.4 Ft , Rd 47 1.4  70.5
■ Material properties of bolt
Exercise 4.1

Figure shows a bracket resist

permanent action, Gk = 60 kN and
variable action, Qk = 80 kN. Verify
the adequacy of the connection if
loaded in direct shear and torsion.
Assume shear occurs at bolt
thread. Given:

Plate thickness :15 mm (S275)

Bolt diameter :24 mm (Gred 4.6)
Welds connection
■ Fillet weld

■ Butt Weld
 Welds connection
• Advantages of weld :
➢ Neat, More efficient, No holes to be punched or drilled etc
• In EC3 various type of weld are considered:
➢ filled welds, filled welds all around, butt welds, plug welds and flare
groove welds

Figure 2 :Typical fillet weld Figure 3 : Typical butt weld

configurations for (a) T-Joints, (b) lap configurations
joint, (c) corner joints
Welded Truss connection
Welded beam connection
Fillet weld terminology
Welds: Geometric considerations
Effective throats
■ The throat thickness of fillet welds is given in Table 6.7
Table 6.7 : Throat thickness of fillet welds

Angle between fusion faces (degrees) Factor ( to be applied to leg length)

60 to 90 0.7
91 to 100 0.65
101 to 106 0.6
107 to 113 0.55
114 to 120 0.5
Effective length (Clause 4.5.1)
■ The actual length less twice the throat thickness to allow for the
starting and stopping of the weld.
■ Should not be less than 30mm or less than six times the throat
thickness
■ When a fillet welds terminates at the end or edge of a plate it should be
returned continuously round the corner for a distance of twice the leg
length.
■ Intermittent filled welds are laid in short length with gaps between as
specified in EC3-1-8 Figure 4.1.
– Seldom use because of corrosion problem and the possibility of
dynamic load which may cause failure due to fatigue or brittle
fracture
Design strength of Weld
■ In this study only Filled welded is considered.
■ Other important detail in design strength
– In fillet welded joints which are subjected to compression forces
should not be assume, unless provision is made to ensure it, that
the parent metal surfaces are in bearing contact
■ Should design to carry the whole of the load.
– Single-sided fillet welds should not be used in cases where there
is a moment about the longitudinal axis
■ Ideally should not be used to transmit tension
Design of fillet weld

■ There are three type consider in design welded connection

– Direct shear
– Shear and torsion
– Shear and bending
■ Two methods are permitted for the design of fillet welds:
– Directional method
■ Forces transmitted by unit length of weld
– Simplified method
■ Only longitudinal shear is considered
Directional method
■ Normal and shear stresses of the form in Figure 6.19 ( Figure
4.5 of EC3-1-8) are assumed, in which :
– σ⊥ is the normal stress perpendicular to the throat
– σ is the normal stress parallel to the axis of the weld
– ⊥ is the shear stress perpendicular to the axis of the
weld
–  is the shear stress parallel to the axis of the weld
■ σ is assumed not to influence the design resistance, while σ⊥, ⊥ and
 must satisfy the pair of conditions given by equation

[σ⊥2+3(⊥2+2)]0.5

where:
fu is the nominal ultimate strength of the weaker part joined ( see
Table 6.8)
βw is a factor (between 0.8 and 1.0) depending on the steel type (see
Table 4.1 of EN 1993-1-8)
Table 6.8 : Design resistance of fillet weld (Extract from Table 4.1
of En 1993-1-8 and Table 7 of EN10025-2)

Thickness of the
Ultimate strength , Correlation factor
Steel Grade Jointed part
fu (N/mm2) βw
weaker (mm)
tp  3 360
S 235 0,8
3 tp  100 360
tp  3 430
S 275 0,85
3 tp  100 410
tp  3 510
S 355 0,9
3 tp  100 470
Simplified method
■ At all points along its length, the resultant of all forces per unit length
transmitted by the weld (Fw,ed) must not exceed the design weld
resistance per unit length (Fw,Rd), where this is simply the product of the
design shear strength fvw,d and the throat thickness a.

Fw, Rd = f vw.d a

■ The value of fvw,d should be taken as

fu / 3 fu
f vw.d = =
 w M 2  w M 2 3

Where :
fu and βw are defined in section 6.5.2.1 ( or 5.3.3 of EC3-1-8)
Example 6.5: Design resistance of fillet
weld ( simplified method)

Problem: Calculate the design strength of fillet weld if the thickness of the
part used is 10 mm thick and the steel grade used s355.

fu
f vw.d =
 w M 2 3

Solution:
■ The design shear strength of fillet weld,

470
 f vw.d = = 241 N / mm 2
0.90  1.25  3
Example 6.6: Welded connection (Direct
shear)
Problem:
A 150 x 20 mm thick tie in Grade S275 steel carrying
factored load of 400 kN require a splice within its length.
Design a suitable arrangement using single sided cover plate
and fillet weld.

Cover
plate

400 kN 400 kN
Solution:
Cover plate used should be less than 150 mm. Given Fw,Ed = 400 kN.
Try cover plate 100 x 20 mm and try size 8 mm weld

Throat thickness, a = 0.7s = 0.7 x 8 = 5.6 mm

1) Design shear strength of weld:

From Table 6.8, fu = 410 N/mm2 and βw = 0.85

410
 f vw.d = = 223 N / mm 2
0.85  1.25  3

2) The design resistance of the weld per unit length (i.e. per mm run)
Fw,Rd = fvw,d.a = 223 x 5.6 = 1248 N/mm = 1.25 kN/mm
3) Total resistance
Minimum length required = 400/1.25 = 320 mm
The required length = 320 + (2 x 8) + (2 x 8) = 352 mm ( let say 360
mm)
 Total resistance of weld = 1.25 x 360 = 450 kN (>400 kN) ok
Example 6.7: Welded connection (direct
shear)
Problem :
Design fillet welds for direct shear connection. Use steel
grade S275.

2 nos 65 x 50 x 6 mm
yt=43.9 mm

65 mm
P = 500 kN
yb=21.1 mm

50 mm 50 mm
Solution :
Load for 1 angle section, Fw,Ed = 500/2 = 250 kN
Try size 8 mm fillet weld
Throat thickness, a = 0.7s = 0.7 x 8 = 5.6 mm

1) Design shear strength of weld:

From Table 6.8 fu = 410 N/mm2 and βw = 0.85

410
 f vw.d = = 223 N / mm 2
0.85  1.25  3

2) The design resistance of the weld pe unit length ( i.e per mm run)
Fw,Rd = fvw,d.a = 223 x 5.6 = 1248 N/mm = 1.25 kN/mm
minimum length required = 250/1.25 = 200 mm
3) The weld length may be arranged in two ways
i. Balanced the weld on each sides:
Length : 200 x 43.9/65 = 135 mm
Add 2s = 16 mm ;
required length = 135 + 16 = 151 mm, say = 155 mm
The other side length = 200 – 135 = 65 mm
Add 2s = 16 mm;
required length = 65 + 16 = 81 mm, say = 85 mm

85 mm

155
mm
 ii. Weld placed across the end of angle
Total required length of weld = 200 mm

Taking moment about L2;

L1
ML2 = (L1 x 65) + (65 x 32.5) = 200 x 21.1
65 mm

L1 = 32.4 mm

L2 Added 2s
Overall length L1= L1 + 2(8) = 48.4 mm,
say = 50 mm
L2 = (200 – 65 – 32.4 ) = 102.6 mm
50 mm
Added 2s
65 mm

Overall length L2 = L2+ 2(8) = 118.6 mm,

say = 120 mm
120
mm
 Eccentric connection of weld
Shear and torsion Shear and bending
■ Load acted at the plane of • Load acted perpendicular to
weld group weld group

P
Shear and torsion
Example 6.8: Eccentric connection
(Shear and Torsion)
Problem:
Determine the size of the fillet weld. Use steel Grade S275 and
Electrode E35. Design A critical position, A.
Note: For structural use of steel minimum size of 6 mm is normally used
Shear and bending
• Load 90o to the plane of weld group , i.e. Bracket connection
■ Many assumptions made to analyse the force. There two method
assumption used in design weld connection of shear and bending.
i) Assumed rotation occurs at x-x
■ Direct shear,
P
Fs = per mm length
Weld effective length
■ Due to moment ,
My P.e. y
FT = = per mm length
I I

Resultant,

Fw, Ed = Fs + FT
2 2

Weld size will then be determined

2) Assumed rotation occur at x1-x1
■ Weld at flange to resist moment
■ Weld at web to resist shear

Direct shear, P
Fs =
2D
Determine weld size at web (Pw=0.75pw)

Due to moment, P.e

FT =
BD
Determine weld size at flange
Example 6.9: Welded connection
(Shear and bending)

Problem:
■ determine the suitable size of weld
 Column base
■ Simple column bases are assumed to transfer axial(compression or
tension) and shear forces.
■ Base plates serve two basic functions:
– transfer column loads to the supporting member or foundation.
These loads include axial due to gravity, moments, shears and
sometimes axial due to uplift;
– allow the column to stand as a temporary vertical cantilever after
the lifting line is released without having to guy off the column.
The column and base plate must withstand temporary wind and
erection loads safely
■ Design Method
– Axial Compression – Simple connection (Effective Area Method)
– Moment and Axial Force – Moment Resisting connection
(Component Method)
Figure 6.20. Typical Column Base
Figure 6.21. Column base connection configuration
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Column
■ The normal preparation for a bearing-type connection is for the column section
to be sawn square to its axis. A good quality saw in proper working order is
adequate for this purpose. Direct bearing does not necessitate the machining or
milling of the column ends. Tolerances for bearing surfaces can be found in BS
1090-2 or the National Structural Steelwork Specification.
Base plates
■ Base plates will usually be flame cut or sawn from S275 or S355 plate. Most
plates have a sufficiently flat bearing surface without machining or cold pressing.
Welds
■ For bearing-type bases, the main function of the weld is to hold the column
shaft securely in position on the base plate and to ensure the column is stable in
any temporary condition.
■ Fillet welds are generally provided, 6 mm or 8 mm leg length, usually along the
outside of the flanges and for a short distance either side of the web. Full profile
welds will usually only be used if additional resistance is needed during erection
or as an anti-corrosion measure.
Holding down bolts
■ Holding down bolts are normally manufactured in accordance with
BS 7419[41] which covers:
a) bolts with square head and neck, and
b) bolts with hexagon head and round neck

■ The embedded length of the bolt in the concrete will usually be in the
region of 16 to 18 bolt diameters. The thread length must allow for
tolerances and should be 100 mm plus the bolt diameter
■ Holding down bolts are usually property class 8.8 (property class 4.6
is not commonly used).
■ M20 bolts are often used, although M24 bolts are recommended for
bases up to 50 mm thick, increasing to M36 for plates over 50 mm
thick.
Hole sizes and washers
■ Clearance holes in the base plate should be 6 mm larger than the bolt
diameter, to allow for adjustment; for bases thicker than 60 mm, this
figure may need to be increased.
■ Washers to BS EN ISO 7091 are needed under the nuts, or
alternatively washers can be made from plate.
Location tubes
■ Normally the bolts are set into location tubes (usually wire mesh) or
cones (usually polystyrene or cardboard).
■ The diameter of the tube or the tops of the cones should be at least
100 mm or 3 times the diameter of the bolt, whichever is greater. The
threaded portion of the bolts should be protected during the
concreting operation.
Base packs
■ Columns are normally erected on central steel levelling packs that are
left permanently in position. Steel wedges placed around the edges of
the base plate are also necessary to ensure stability during erection.
Figure 6.22. Column base holding down bolts
Concrete strength
■ Typical concrete strengths are shown in Table 6.9, taken from BS EN
1992-1-1.
𝛼𝑐𝑐 𝑓𝑐𝑘
■ The design compressive strength 𝑓𝑐𝑑 =
𝛾𝑐
– which acc = 0.85 and gc = 1.5. Thus fcd = 0.56fck. It may be
assumed that, for initial design, the design bearing strength f jd is
equal to the design compressive strength, although the design
bearing strength also depends on the physical geometry of the
foundation.
■ For design purposes, the lowest strength of either the grout or the
concrete in the foundation should be used. In most situations, the design
will be based on the strength of the concrete in the foundation, and non-
shrink cementitious grout will be specified to be at least as strong. Other
bedding materials may be specified.
 Table 6.9 Concrete strength

Concrete Class Cylinder strength Cube strength Design

(N/mm2) (N/mm2) compressive
strength
(N/mm2)
fck Fck, cube fcd

C25/30 25 30 14.2
C30/37 30 37 16.8
C35/45 30 45 17.0
C40/50 40 50 22.7
Clearance under the baseplate
■ A space between the top of the foundation and the baseplate
of between 25 mm and 50 mm is the normal allowance when
using grout
■ In slab bases of size 700 mm x 700 mm or larger, 50 mm
diameter grout holes should be provided to allow trapped air
to escape and also for inspection.
■ A hole should be provided for each 0.5 m2 of base area. If it is
expected to place grout through these holes then the
diameter should be increased to 100 mm.
▪ Clause involve in EN1993 – 1 - 8
▪ Resistance in cl. 6.2.8, cl. 6.2.5(7)
▪ Stiffness in cl. 6.3.1(4)
▪ Classification in cl. 5.2.2.5
▪ Component concrete block in compression and base plate in
bending in cl. 6.7(2)
▪ Component anchor bolt in tension and base plate in bending
in cl. 6.2.6.11(2)
▪ Component anchor bolt in shear cl. 6.2.2(6)
Recommended Geometry
■ No specific detailing requirement for column base can be provided.
■ Three main consideration in practice:
– The plate dimensions must be sufficient to spread the design
loads to the foundation and to accommodate the holding down
bolts;
– The base and holding down system must be sufficiently robust to
withstand loads experienced during erection resulting from
wind loads, lack of verticality and asymmetric loading.
– The setting out dimensions for the holding down bolts should be
on a regular, simple geometry
■ Normal practice is for the
– base to be at least 100 mm larger all round than the column
– thickness greater than or equal to that of the column flange
– four holding down bolts positioned outside the section.
■ Baseplate dimensions are generally rounded up to the nearest 50
mm.
Design for simple connection

■ Taken form BS EN 1993-1-8 and effective area approach.

■ Covers design under axial compression only.
■ Process involve
– Find required Area. Areq
– Determine the effective area, Aeff in terms projection width from
the steel profile, c.
– By equating Areq and Aeff, calculate c.
– Calculate the required plate thickness, assuming that the
projection width, c is a uniformly loaded cantilever
Effective area method

■ Assumed that the bearing pressure on the effective area is

uniform and that the plate acts as a simple cantilever around
the perimeter of the section.
■ The effective area is a constant width c either side of each
flange and web, as illustrated in Figure 6.23 with respect to a
rolled I section.
– No overlap - Projection c is the minimum that is needed
to ensure that the base pressure does not exceed design
bearing.
– Overlap – projection C become large that the strip
overlap between column flange, where c > (h-2tf)/2.
– Overlap area cannot be counted – effective area must
be recalculated.
■ For hollow section columns, the design procedure is similar
Figure 6.23. Calculated effective area for a rolled section
Figure 6.23. Calculated effective area for RHS and CHS sections