Detail of Beam Connection
Beams are connected to main beams or into the columns. The design of these connections is more important -since the failure of connection is more catastrophic than the failure of the beam section. In this chapter different types of a beam, connections are explained.
As discussed in IS: 800-1984 recognizes the following three types of steel framework construction, depending upon the type 
- Simple Framing (curve I)
- Semi-Rigid Framing (curve III),
- Rigid Frame Construction (curve II)
- The typical moment-rotation curves for the three types of framing (or connections) are shown in Fig.
Simple Framing Connection
Simple framing is the one where rotational restraint at the ends of the members is as little as practicable, and in consequence, the structure may, for the purpose of design, be assumed as pin-connected. For beams, simple framing provides only shear transfer at the ends.
The design of simply supported beams under the working stress method uses this type of connection, while simple framing is not used in plastic design.
One may consider the framing Simple if the original angle between intersecting pieces may change up to 80% of the amount it would theoretically change if frictionless hinged connections could be used
Semi-Rigid Framing Connection
Rigid frame construction is the one where full continuity is provided at the connections so that original angles between the intersecting members are held virtually constant, i.e., with rotational restraint of the order of 90% or more of that necessary to prevent any angle change.
Such connections give the greatest rigidity and economy in the weight of steel used when applied in appropriate cases. Such connections are used under both the working stress and plastic design methods.
Rigid Frame Connection
Semi-rigid framing is the one where rotational restraint is between 20 and 90% of that necessary to prevent any relative angle change. The semi-rigid connections develop less than the full moment capacity of the connected members.
With semi-rigid framing, the moment transmitted across the joint is neither zero (or a small amount) as in simple framing, nor is it the full continuity moment as assumed in the elastic rigid-frame analysis.
Because of the difficulty of evaluating the degree of restraint, semi-rigid connections are not used in plastic design and are rarey used in working stress design.
Actual connections are neither completely rigid nor completely flexible, and can be classified on the basis of the ratio of the moment developed by the connections to the full moment capacity of the connected member, expressed as a percentage.
As stated above, the approximate percentages for simple connections are from 0 to 20, for a semi-rigid connection from 20 to 80, and for a rigid connection from 80 to 90. The percentage of a particular connection must be determined by actual tests.
Type of Steel Beam Connection
- Riveted Beam Connection
- Bolt Beam Connection
- Welded Beam Connection
1. Riveted Beam Connection
Here, the different types of riveted beam connections are as follows.
- Simple Beam Connections for Riveted
- Riveted Framed Connection
- Riveted Seated Connection
- Riveted Unstiffened Seated connection
- Riveted Stiffened Seated connection
- Moment Riveted Resistant or Rigid Connection
Let’s go we are going a detailed knowledge of simple beam connection for reinvented and moment riveted resistant connection.
1.1. Simple Beam Connections for Riveted
In this connection, two more types of beam riveted connections are as follows in detail please look at that.
1.1.1. Riveted Framed Connection
A framed connection is the one when a beam is connected to a girder or a stanchion by means of two angles placed on the two sides of the web of the beam, as shown below fig. no-1
Riveted Framed connection Fig No-1
When the beams intersect and are attached to other beams so that flanges of both are at the same elevation, as shown below fig. no-2 (a), (b), the beams framing-in have their flanges coped or cutaway.
Riveted Framed connection at the s
angle level Fig No -2
The loss of section is primarily loss of flange that carries little shear so that normally rope results in little loss of strength.
In framed connections, an angle shelf is sometimes used to support the connecting beam during the erection, simply to facilitate the process (as shown below fig. no-1), though the angle shelf is not an integral part of the connection and may be removed after the connection process is over. 3
1.1.2. Riveted Seated Connection
When a beam is connected to the flange (or the web) of a steel stanchion, the width of the flange (or the depth of the web) may be insufficient to accommodate the connecting angles. In that case, framed beam connections are not suitable, and seated beam connections are preferred.
In its simplest form, a seated connection is the one in which a horizontal angle with its horizontal leg at its top is used to receive the beam on it, as shown in as per below fig; in such as a case it is called unstiffened seat connection.
Seated Connection
In addition to the seat angle, a web cleat is provided when the beam is connected to a beam (as per above fig ) while a flange cleat is used when the beam is connected to a stanchion.
The angle cleats (i.e. web cleat or flange cleat) are essential parts of seated connections because they keep the beam stable in a vertical position and prevent it from lateral buckling.
When the reaction to be transferred by the beam is so large that the scat angle cannot support it, then the horizontal leg of the seat angle is stiffened by means of one or two stiffener angles, as shown in as per below fig.
StiffeSeated Connection
The stiffener angles should be tightly fitted under the seating angle and suitable packing should be provided, as shown in as per above fig.
Seated connections require more space in the vertical direction, and due to this, they are not commonly used for connecting the beam to a beam. Seated connections are more suitable for connecting the beam to either the flange or to the web of a steel stanchion.
Similarly, a framed connection is not suitable for connecting a beam to the web of a column because of the space limitation on either side of the beam.
1.2. Moment Resistant or Rigid for Riveted Connection
Up to this stage, we have discussed simple connections that transfer shear only, and permit full rotation of the beam. Some times, it may be required to transmit moments also, in addition to shears, such as in building frames.
As discussed earlier, there are two types of constructions which permit the transfer of moments, either fully or partially:
- Rigid construction and
- Semi-rigid construction.
In both the above types of construction, the connections or joints are so designed that they permit the transfer of moment in addition to shear.
Based on the magnitude of the moment to be transferred, these may be two types of connections :
- Small moment resistance connections
- Large movement resistance connections
Small moment resistance connections
Large movement resistance connections
2. Bolt Beam Connection
Here, the different types of bolt beam Connection are as follows.
- Simple Beam Bolt Connections
- Bolt Framed Connection
- Bolt Seated Connection
- Bolt Unstiffened Seated Connection
- Bolt Stiffened Seated Connection
- Moment Resistant or Rigid for Bolt Connection
- Sami Regid Bolt Connection
Let’s go we are going a detailed knowledge of simple beam connection for reinvented and moment bolt resistant connection.
2.1. Simple Beam Blot Connections
In this connection, two more types of beam bolt connections are as follows detail, please look at that.
2.1.1. Bolt Framed Connections
When the end shear to be transferred is less, it is possible to connect the beam to the main beam or to the column using cleat angles, as shown in also show fig. (a) and (b).
Framed Connections
If the flanges of the beam to be connected are at the same level, the flanges of the connecting beam are cut, as shown below fig,
Framed Connections if flanges are at the same level
This will not pose any structural problem since at the end of simply supported beams moment is zero, and shear strength depends mainly on the strength of the web.
2.1.2. Bolt Seated Connection
In this method, two different parts one is Bolt Unstiffened Seated Connection and other Bolt Stiffened Seated Connection doth are detailed as follows.
2.1.2.1. Bolt Unstiffened Seated Connection
When shear force are larger, the depth of the cleat angle required for framed connection may be more than what can be provided at the available space. In such cases of the seat, angles are connected to this column over which beam rests.
At top cleat, angles are provided to prevent the lateral displacement of the beam after positioning it over seat angle also shows in below fig. a typical such connection.
Unstiffened Seated Connection
2.1.2.2. Bolt Stiffened Seated Connection
If shear force to be transferred at the beam is still large, the seat angle may fail. To strengthen it, a stiffener angle can be provided, as shown in as per below fig. Such connections are known as a stiffened seated connection.
Stiffened Seated Connection
2.2. Moment Resistant or Rigid for Bolt Connection
In this the joint is designed to resist end shear as well as moment. such supporters may be treated as fixed ends, since they do not permit any rotation at the end.
2.3. Sami Regid Bolt Connection
In this type rotation of the end is partially restrained. In other words, the connections are designed to transfer shear and part of fixed end moment.
3. Moment Resistant or Rigid Connection for Bolt
Here, the different two different types of moment resistant are as follows.
-
- Clip-Angle or Split Beam Connection
- Bracket Connection
3.1. Clip Angle Connection
This type of connection may be used at the end of the moment to be transferred in the end is small as per below fig. shows a typical clip angle connection.
Clip angle connection
Split Beam Connection
3.2. Bracket Connection
If the moment to be transferred through this connection is large such connections are used as per below fig. shows a typical bracket connection.
Bracket connection
Welded Beam Connection
Here, the two different connection are as follows.
- Simple Welded Beam Connections
- Moment Welded Resistant or Rigid Connection
Beams may be connected to the supporting beam or to the supporting column by welding. In fact, welded connections are used more commonly instead of bolted connections.
The end of the beam may be designed to transfer the only shear to the supporting structure by
- Framed connection
- Unstiffened seated connection
- Stiffened seated connection.
The ends of the beam may be designed to transfer shear as well as moment by welded connection.Such connections are known as moment resistant connection.
1. Simple Welded Beam Connections
In this connection three different parts. In this part are as follows.
- Welded Framed Connection
- Welded Unstiffened Seated Connection
- Welded Stiffened Seated Connection.
1.1. Welded Framed Connection
The direct fillet or butt welds explained in need accurate lengths and edge finishes, which may be quite difficult to achieve. Instead of these connections, framed connections may be adopted, which are flexible. The following two types of framed connections are possible.
1.1.1. Double-Plated Framed Connections
Instead of two plates may be used for the connection beam and the supporting member to get more flexibility in the connection. The plate to are connected to the web of the beam by shop welding.
1.1.2. Double Angle Framed Connections
Instead of two angles may be used for the connection beam and the supporting member to get more flexibility in the connection. The angles to are connected to the web of the beam by shop welding.
Double Plated Welded Framed Connections
Double Angle Framed Connections
1.2. Welded Unstiffened Seated Connection
When the end reaction to be transferred is low, welde unstiffened seat connection can be used. The beam is placed over a seat welded and angle
1.3. Welded Stiffened Seated Connection.
Welded Stiffened Seated Connection
As per a typical stiffened seat connection. The seat used can be a split two-plate, or I beam forming a T-section. The seat plate thickness isn’t less than the thickness of the flange of the beam, and the thickness of the stiffening plate is not less than the thickness of the web of the beam.
Seat plate and stiffening plates are welded, as shown below, as above Welded Stiffened Seated Connection – a side
The width of the seat plate is kept equal to the width of the flange of the beam. The same size plate can be used as a stiffening plate. Weld looks like a T-section, as shown below, as above Welded Stiffened Seated Connection – b side.
2. Moment Welded Resistant or Rigid Connection
Moment connections are classified as rigid and full/partial strength connections. For rigid connections, end plate and welded connections are classified according to the rotational rigidity which is defined according to the earthquake regulations depending on the ductility level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Steel Beam Connections
What are steel beam connections?
Steel beam connections refer to the methods used to join beams to other structural members such as columns or girders. These connections play a critical role in ensuring the stability and integrity of the overall structure.
Why are steel beam connections important?
Steel beam connections are vital because they transfer loads between structural members and ensure that the structure can withstand various forces such as gravity loads, wind loads, and seismic forces. Properly designed connections enhance the structural performance and safety of the building.
What are the different types of steel beam connections?
Steel beam connections can be categorized into three main types: riveted connections, bolted connections, and welded connections. Each type has various subtypes depending on factors such as the level of rigidity required and the type of structural members being joined.
What factors should be considered when selecting a steel beam connection type?
Several factors influence the choice of steel beam connection, including the structural design requirements, the magnitude of loads, the type of framing system, construction methods, and budget constraints. Engineers need to evaluate these factors to determine the most suitable connection type for a specific project.
What is the difference between riveted, bolted, and welded connections?
Riveted connections involve using rivets to join steel members, bolted connections utilize bolts and nuts, while welded connections use welding to fuse the steel members together. Each type has its advantages and limitations in terms of ease of installation, structural performance, and cost.
How are moment-resistant connections different from shear-only connections?
Moment-resistant connections are designed to transfer both shear and moment forces between structural members, providing greater stability and resistance to bending. In contrast, shear-only connections primarily transfer shear forces and allow for rotational movement at the connection.
What are some common challenges in designing steel beam connections?
Designing steel beam connections can present challenges such as ensuring proper alignment, accommodating different member sizes, addressing space limitations, and maintaining structural integrity under various loading conditions. Engineers must carefully consider these challenges during the design process.
How can engineers ensure the integrity of steel beam connections during construction?
To ensure the integrity of steel beam connections during construction, engineers should provide detailed construction drawings and specifications, conduct quality inspections, use high-quality materials, and employ skilled labor with experience in steel fabrication and erection.
Are there any safety considerations associated with steel beam connections?
Yes, safety considerations are crucial when designing and constructing steel beam connections. Engineers must comply with relevant building codes and standards, conduct thorough structural analysis and testing, and implement proper safety measures to prevent accidents and structural failures during construction and throughout the life of the building.
Where can I find additional resources on steel beam connections?
Additional resources on steel beam connections can be found in structural engineering textbooks, industry standards such as the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Manual, technical journals, and professional organizations related to structural engineering and construction. Engaging with experienced structural engineers and attending conferences or seminars can also provide valuable insights into best practices for steel beam connections.
