Connections in Steel Structures

The connections in steel structures are necessary for providing structural integrity. Such
connections are needed in the following structural elements of the structure
• Within compression members, tension members, beams, and columns. Such
connections are called splices.
• Between gusset plate and tension or compression members
• Between beams and columns
• Between beams and cross beams
This section discusses only the connection between beams and columns or between
main and secondary beams.
If the beam to column connection is expected to transfer only end shear, such
connections are called shear or flexible connections. Such connections permit free
rotation at the beam end, and hence, do not provide any moment restraint.

If the beam to column connection shall carry end shear as well as moment, without
permitting any relative rotation between the beam and column, such connection is called
a rigid or moment connection.

A third type of connection is also possible, which will resist moment partially and
permit the relative rotation between the connected members is called a semi-rigid
connection.

There is no connection which is ideally rigid or ideally flexible. As a thumb rule,

connections which resist 90% or more of the fixed end moment at the beam-column
junction are considered as rigid. Similarly, those connections which do not develop
more than 25% of the fixed end moment may be taken as flexible.

The moment-rotation (M-θ) relationships of various types of connections are shown in

the accompanying figure. It is clear that ideally rigid or ideally plastic connections are

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practically impossible. All the practical connections are actually semi-rigid to varying
levels of flexibility.

Classification of Connections based on Moment-Rotation Characteristics

IS: 800 -2007 classifies the connections based on Bjorhovde’s criteria. It is based on two
non-dimensional parameters m1= Mu/Mpb and θ1 = θr/θp. Here Mu is the ultimate moment
at the connection, Mpb the plastic moment capacity of the connection, θp is the plastic
rotation at the connection and θr is as defined in Clause F-4.3.2 of IS: 800.
θr = C1(KM)1 + C2(KM)3 + C3(KM)5. The terms are defined in the clause.

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 Classification of Connections According to Bjorhovde

Beam to Column and Beam to Beam Connections

Such connections are of two types
a) Seated connection – Unstiffened or Stiffened
b) Framed connection

Unstiffened Seated Connection

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Rotation of Unstiffened Seat Connection with Cleat Angles

Stiffened Seat Connection

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Framed and Seated Connections

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 3D View of Seated Connections

3D View of Framed Connection between Beam & Column

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3D View of Framed Connection Between Primary Beam & Secondary Beam

3D View of Bracket Connections