Split-Beam Tee Connections—Prying Action

For bolted moment connections, the split-beam tee as shown in Fig. 13.6.2c is not often any
longer used. However, the design of a connection involving the transfer of a tensile force through a thick
– plate bolted connection, such as the tee connected to the flange will illustrate treatment of “prying
action”. Prying action was first mentioned in Section 4.13.

Consider the deformation of a tee section as in Fig 13.6.13 whereas the pull on the web deforms
the flange and deflects it outward the edges of the flange tips bear against the connected piece giving
rise to the force Q, known as the prying force. Inclusion of this force is required by LRFID-J2.6 wherein it
states “The applied load shall be the sum of the factored loads and any tension resulting from prying
action produced by deformation of the connected parts”. A similar statement appears in ASD-J3.4.

When bolted connections are subject to distortion such as in Fig. 13.613 the treatment of Sec.
4.13 for bolts in tension is not valid. When a thick-flanged tee distorts, the flange tips tend to dig in
giving rise to the force Q.

Kulak, Fisher and Struik (3.1. pp.274 – 282) have reviewed the various theories relating to prying
action. They have recommended the procedure used in the LRFD Manual {1.18}. The model, formulation
and design procedure is well explained by Thornton [13.65, 13.67] and Astaneh [13.66] particularly with
regard to Allowable Stress Design.
 The analytical model used in the LRFD Manual [1.18] procedure is shown in Fig. 13.6.14.
Moment Equilibrium requires:

M 1 + M 2−T b=0

The Cantilever is

M 1=Q a (13.6.27)

And force equilibrium requires

T + Q – B=0 (13.6.28)
 Where:

T = externally applied factored load on one bolt

Q = prying force tributary to one bolt

B = tensile load in the bolt (to be compared with the design strength ∅ Rn of the bolt)

Eqs. 13.6.26 through 13.6.28 are the independent equations of equilibrium that must
be satished.

Next, referring to “width” as the dimension along the length of the tee section tributary
to one bolt, let:

net width at bolt line

δ= (13.6.29)
gross widthat critical section near web face

M2
M 2 may be multiplied ad divided by δ M 1 without any effect and the ratio
δ M1

May be called α thus:

M 2=M 2 ( )( )
δ M1
δ M1
=
M2
δ M1
δ M 1 =α δ M 1 (13.6.30)

Substituting Eq. 13.6.30 for M 2 into equation 13.6.26 and equation 13.6.27 gives the
following two equations for M 1 :

Tb
M 1= (13.6.31)
1+ α δ

Qa
M 1= (13.6.32)
∝δ
 Eliminating M 1 from equation 13.6.31 and 13.6.32 give the prying force Q as:

Q=T ( 1+αα δ δ )( ba ) (13.6.33)

Substitution of Eq. 13.6.33 into the force equilibrium equation 13.6.28 gives

T + Q−B=0

T =T ( 1+∝
∝δ
δ )( a )
b
=B

B=T 1−
[ ( )( )]
∝δ
1+∝ δ
b
a
(13.6.34)

There are two design requirements that must be satisfied: (1) the moment strength of
the flange must be adequate and (2) the bolt strength in tension must be adequate.

Moment Strength of the Tee Flange (The LRFD requirement would be)

∅ M 2 ≥ M1 (13.6.35)

w t2
∅ M n=∅ M n =∅ Z F y =∅ Fy (13.6.36)
4

Where w is the length of flange parallel to stem tributary to one bolt and ∅ is the resistance factor

∅ r =0.90For flexure. Putting equation 13.6.36 and 13.6.31 into equation 13.6.35 gives the design
requirement for the flange thickness t f :

tf ≥
√ 4 Tb
∅ r w F y (1+α δ)
(13.6.37)
Tension Strength of Bolts (The LRFD requirement would be)

∅ Rn ≥ B (13.6.38)

Where B is the factored load force on ne bolt, given by equation 13.6.34

The design strength of bolts in tension is given by equation 4.7.4

∅ Rn=∅ Fub ( 0.75 A b )=0.75 F bu ( 0..75 Ab ) (4.7.4)

b b
Or for A325 bolts having F u=120 ksi and A490 bolts having F u=150 ksi .

∅ Rn=¿ 67.5 Ab (A325) (13.6.39)

∅ Rn=¿ 84.4 Ab (A490) (13.6.40)

Thornton [13.65] has shown there is no unique solution tor equation 13.6.37 and equation
13.6.38. This, a trial procedure to obtain one satisfactory solution is necessary. One may now that when
∝ = 0 there will be no prying action and single curvature bending: and when ∝=1.0 there will be
maximum prying action und double curvature bending.

The aforementioned model and development has been calibrated by tests [3.1] indicating the b
dimension in Fig. 13.6,14 should be larger and the a dimension smaller by an amount equal to one-half
the bolt diameter db. Thus a’ and b’ are used in place of a and b in all of the foregoing equations.

db
a ' =a+ (13.6.41)
2

' db
b =b− (13.6.42)
2
 Load and Resistance factor Design The flange thickness t f required from modified using b ' for b
Eq. 13.6.36 is

tf ≥
√ 4.44 Tb'
∅ b wF y (1+ αδ)

And using ∅ n=0.90 for flexure. Eq. 13.6.43 becomes

tf ≥
√ 4.44 Tb '
w F y (1+αδ )

Where:

T = factored externally applied tension per bolt

b’ = b – d/2

db = bolt diameter

w = tributary width of resisting section (i.e) length of tee section tributary to one bolt

α =¿

( w−d b )
δ=¿ Ratio of net area of bolt line (Where M2 acts) to area where M1 acts =
w

[ (
∅ Rn ≥ T 1+
∝δ
1+∝δ )( ba '' )] (13.6.45)

db
Where: a ' =a+
2
 Allowable Stress Design Equations similar to those for LRFD are used in ASD. The reader is
referred to Thornton [13.65] and Astaneh [13.66] for details.

The trial procedure is illustrated for LRFD in the following example:

EXAMPLE 13.6.4

Design a split-beam tee connection, such as in Fig. 13.6.2c to enable a plastic hinge to develop in
a W14 x 6 beam framing to the flange of a W14 x 159 column. Use A572 Grade 50 steel with 3/4-in.
diameter A325 bolts in a bearing - type connection (A325-N). Use Load and Resistance Factor Design.

Solution

(a) Compute the factored tensile force to be carried. The W14 x 61 is compact (i.e λ ≤ λp for
local flange buckling and local web buckling); in addition, assume that lateral – torsional
buckling is precluded (i.e L ≤ Lp)

Since there are flange holes in the W14 x 64 beam fir this bolted connection, the nominal
moment strength Mq of the beam may be less than M. Check in accordance with LRFD –
B10. As discussed in sec. 7.9 in order to use full gross properties Eq. 7.9.1 must be
satisfied.

0.75 Fu A fn ≥ 0.9 F y A fg (7.9.4)

A fn =[ 9.995−2 ( 0.75+0.125 ) ] 0.645=5.32 sq .∈.

A fg =( 9.995 ) 0.645=6.45 sq .∈.

This means a reduced effective area A fr must be used as follows:

A fe=
( )
5 Fu
A
6 F y fn
 A fe= ( )
5 65
6 50
5.32=5.76 sq .∈.

Only the tension flange needs to be reduced; however it will be practical to use A as the area
of each flange. Because of the shift in neutral axis if the deduction is from only one flange, the difference
in deducting from both flanges compared to deducting from only one flange is small.

Compute the reduced plastic modulus Z.

Zt =2 At ( ) ( )
d−t f
2
d
+t w −t f
2

Zt =2 ( 5.76 ) ( 13.89−0.645
2 )+0.375 ( 13.89
2
−0.645 )=91.2 inches

M d =∅ n M n = ∅ y Z t F y =[ 0,90 ( 91.2 ) 50 ] ( 121 )=342 ft −kips

If all bending moment is carried by tees, the force of the internal couple is
 Force=
( )(
Mn
d min
=
342(12)
13.89 )
=295 kips

(b) Check whether or not the tensile force can be accommodated by the bolts in tension

b b
∅ Rn=∅ Fu (0.75 A b )=0.75 Fu ( 0.75 Ab )

∅ Rn=67.5 Ab =67.5 ( 0.4418 )=29.8 kips

Only 8 bolts will fit as shown in Figure 13.6.15 therefore the maximum factored tensile force that may
be carried is:

T u=8 ( 29.8 )=238 kips<295 kips NG

When this difficulty arises, one may use a stub beam or a tee stub attached to the bottom of the main
beam (Figure 13.6.15) to increase the moment arm of the couple. Actually, when designing for the
support moment, one might have used a beam size required for the mid – span moment and then used
the stub beam to gain the increased capacity required at the support. The necessary moment arm is:

342 ( 12 )
Required Arm= =17.2inches
238

Extra Depth Required=17.2−13.89=3.3 inches

Try as the stub beam a WT5 x 24.5, t w =0.340 inches , t f =0.560 inchestw, b=10.000 inches,
d=4.990 inches (whose dimensions are comparable to main W14 x 61 beam)
 342 ( 12 )
Force of Couple= =217 kips
13.89−4.990

Using 8 bolts in tension,

217
(R ¿ ¿ n= =27.2 kips)< ( ∅ Rn =29.8 kips ) OKAY ! ¿
8
(c) Check shear strength on web (section c – c of Figure 13.6.15) of WT5 x 24.5. Applying LRFD –
F2.2 the length L of tee required is

Force
Required L=
217
∅( 0.60 F ¿ ¿ n)t= =23.6∈¿ ¿
0.90 ( 0.6 ) ( 50 ) 0.340
(d) Determine bolts required to transmit tension and compression forces at the top and
bottom of beam.

∅ Rn=0.4418 ( 0.75 ) 48=15.9 kips ( controls )

(Single shear LRFD Manual. Table 8 – 11)

 ∅ Rn=0.75 ( 2.4 F u d b t ) =0.75 ( 2.4 ) ( 65 ) ( 0.75 ) t=87.8t

(Bearing assuming s ≥ 3d b and Lt ≥ 1.5d b )

217
Number of bolts= =13.6
15.9
Say, 14 bolts

The minimum length of WT5 x 24.5 required using 7 bolts per line at 3 – inches spacing is 21
inches. Use WT5 x 24.5 stub tee 2’ – 0” long welded to the bottom of W14 x 61 as shown in
Figure 13.6.15.

(e) Determine the thickness required to transmit tension on section a –a (Figure 13.6.15)

Tu 217
Required A t= = =4.8 sq .∈.
0.90 F 0.90 ( 50 )
And

Tu 217
Required A t= = =4.5 sq .∈.
0.75 Fu 0.75 ( 65 )

Using the length of section a – a as 13 inches (column flange width = 15.565 inches0 and
deducting two holes gives

4.5
t≥ =0.40∈.
13−2 ( 0.875 )
 15.9
t≥ =0.18∈. (Bearing does not control)
87.8

(f) Determine the flange thickness for the tee section attached to the column. Equation 13.6.44
has been developed to provide flexural strength on section b – b of Figure 13.6.15. Estimate
the usual gage g as about 4 inches : thus

' d b g tu d b 4 ❑
b =b− = − − − −
2 2 2 2 2 ❑

Assuming no prying action Q = 0; thus α =0. Then, from Eq. 13.6.44 assuming a length w = 14
inches at the critical section (section b – b) of the tee.

t t=
√ 4.44 Tb '
w F y (1+αδ )
=
√ 4.44 ( 2172 ) 1.25 =0.91inches
14(50)(1+0)

As an alternative, Thornton [13.65] recommended computing β which from Equation 13.6.34

(using a’ and b’ instead of a and b) is a function of αδ .

B
(a'
β= −1 ' =
T b )( ) (
29.8
25.9
−1 1.25=0.18∨0.2 )

Then use ∝ as follows:

if β >1 ,use α =1 (Meaning large frying force)

 if β <1 ,use α =lesser of ( )
1 β
δ 1−β
∧1.0

In this example, δ may be estimated using Equation 13.6.29 as

δ=
(
3− 0.75+
1
16 ) =0.73
3

( )
1 β
=
1 0.2
δ 1−β 0.73 1−0.2 (
=0.34< 1.0 )
Therefore use, ∝=0.34

In which case, Thornton’s procedure [13.65] would give ∝ δ =0.34 ( 0.73 )=0.25for Equation
13.6.44 for t f

tf =
√ 4.44 Tb'
w F y (1+αδ )
=
√ 4.44 ( 2172 ) 1.25 =0.81 inches
14 (50)(1+ 0.25)

Try a tee cut from S24 x 80 t f =0.870∈. and t b=0.500∈.

(g) Check the prying force using Eq. 13.6.33 with a’ and b’ instead of a and b.
 ' d b bf −g d b 7.000−4 3
a =a+ = + = + =1.875 inches
2 2 2 2 8

d b g t w d b 4 0.500 3
b ' =b− = − − = − − =1.375 inches
2 2 2 2 2 2 8

Kulak, Fisher and Struik [3.1] recommended thata ≤ 1.25 b. In this example, a=1.5∈. and

b=1.75∈.; Thusa ≤ 1.25 b. Taking the length of the tee section as 14 inches (see top view of Fig.
13.6.15) with four holes deducted.

δ=
(
14−4 0.75+
1
16 ) =0.77
14

Using the same trial value α = 0.34 as previously givesαδ=0.26. Then find Q.

( )( ) ( )( 1.375
1.875 )
'
αδ b 0.26
Q=T =T =0.15 T
1+αδ a '
1+0.26

Then, compare ( T + Q )per bolt to ∅ Rn

T + Q=0.15 T

1.15 Rn= 1.15(25.9) = 29.8 kips = ∅ Rn (OK)

Since the factored load Rn per bolt increased by the prying force exactly equals the design tension
strength ∅ Rn of a bolt, the bolts are satisfactory. Thornton [13.65] has shown that when the actual t f
exceeds the requiredt f , the actual Q will be less than the Q computed above. More detail on this
procedure is provided in Ref. 13.65 and LRFD Manual.
 (h) Recheck the thickness t f required:

tf =
√ 4.44 Tb'
w F y (1+αδ )√=
4.44 ( 2172 ) 1.375 =0.85 inches
14(50)(1+0.26)

The flange thickness t f provided is 0.870 inches. The design is satisfactory. Use tees cut from S24
x 80 to carry tensile and compressive forces.

Not discussed in this example is the development of the shear strength of the W14 x 61 pair of
angles may be attached to the beam web for the purpose of providing whatever shear is required. The
final design is shown in Fig. 13.6.25
EXAMPLE:

Design an end – plate connection for a W14 x 53 beam attachment to a W14 x 1176 column,
both A36 steel. Design for a maximum factored beam moment and 60 kips factored shear. Use A325
bolts in a bearing – type connection (A325 – X). Use Load and Resistance Factored Design.

SOLUTION:

(a) Determine the number of bolts required to carry the maximum factored tensile force T u
from the bending moment. The design moment strength ∅ b M n of the beam is:

∅ b M n=∅ b M n = ∅ b Z y F y =( 0.90 ) ( 87.1 )( 36 ) ( 121 )=235 ft −kips

∅b M n 235 ( 12 )
Max T u = = =213 kips
d−t b 13.92−0.660

For 1/8 in – diameter bolts (A325 – X), the design strength in the tension is:

b
∅ Rn=∅ ( 0.75 Ab ) F u=0.75 ( 90.0 ) Ab =0.75 ( 90 ) ( 0.6013 )=40.6 kips

T u 213
Number of bolts= = =5.2
∅ Rn 4.6

For symmetrical placement above and below the tension flange, either 4 or 8 bolts are needed.
Four 1 – inch diameter bolt will carry 4(53.0) = 212 kips: accepts this satisfactory.

(b) Establish the plan dimension of the end plate. For determining the distance x (Fig 13.6.16)
the fillet weld size (for E70 electrodes) and the bolt installation clearance are needed.

Tu Tu 213 kips
Required ∅ Rn= = = =13.5
L 2 b f −t f 2 ( 8,060 )−370 ¿.
 Because the maximum effective fillet weld size along the 0.660 in. flange is 0.48 in. 13.5
kips/inch cannot be developed (see Table 5.14.2) which indicates 5/8 in. weld is needed to obtain 13.9
kips/inch). Thus, use full penetration groove weld. The minimum assembling clearance for 1 – in –
diameter bolts is given by LRFD Manual. Table 8 – 4 “Entering and Tightening Clearances”, p. 8 -13 as 1
3/16 in. (typically about ½ in. more than the bolt diameter).

7 3
Distance , s=1 + =2.06
10 8

Try a plate 9 – inches wide and about 18 inches long.

(c) Estimate the plate thickness, t f required. A conservative procedure is to use Eq. 13.6.44 with
the prying action force, Q set equal to zero. The distance, b ' will be:

1 1
b ' ≥ s− d b=2.06− =1.56 inches
2 2

tf ≥
√ 4.44 Tb '
w F y (1+αδ )
4.44
=
( 2132 ) 1.56 =1.51 inches
9(36)(1+ 0)
 The designer could probably use the procedure in Example 13.6.4 relating to the prying force, Q
to justify use of thinner plate.

An alternative is to use Krishnamurthy’s method [13.71] where the bending moment on the
plate is empirically adjusted such that the prying action force does not directly enter the calculation. In
this procedure, the effective span, b ' is taken as:

' 1 1 3
b =s− d b −weld ¿ 2.06− − =1.19inches
4 4 5

Cu = constant dependent on the yield stress of the beam and end plate:

Assuming both have the same Fy:

Fy = 36 ksi: Cu = 1.36 for A325 bolts

Cu = 1.38 for A490 bolts

Fy = 50 ksi: Cu = 1.31 for A325 bolts

Cu = 1.33 for A490 bolts

(Other values in Ref. 13.71 and LRFD Manual p. 10 – 25)

Cb =
√ bf
b1

b f =¿Beam with tension flange

b 1 = width of end plate

b ' = effective arm (computed above)

d b = bolt diameter

A f = area of beam tension flange

Ab = web area, clear of flanges = ( d −2t f ) t w

d = overall depth of W section

For this example;

C b=
√ √
bf
bp
=
8.06
9
=0.95

C a=1.36

α m=C a Cb ¿

α m=1.36 (0.95)¿

α m T u b ' 1.42(213)(1.19)
M n= = =90.0∈−kips
4 4

Use M n in place of Tb ' in Eq. 13.6.44 with Q=0

 tf ≥
√ 4.44 T b'
w F y ( 1+ αδ )
= ¿
√4.44 ( 90.0 )
9 ( 36 ) (1+ 0 )
=1.11inches

Thus, a 1 1/8 – in. plate is acceptable according to the Krishnamurthy method.

(d) Check combined shear and tension on bolts. Referring to Sec. 4.14, compute the stress f w
resulting from factored shear.

Vu 60
f w= = =12.7 ksi .
A b 6(.7854)

b
The factored load tensile force limit F u from LRFD – Table J3.5 (Table 4.14.1) for A325 – X is;

∅ Fu =∅ (117−1.5 f w ) ¿ 0.75 [ 117−1.5 ( 12.7 ) ] =73.5 ksi .

b

b b
This exceeds the upper limit on ∅ Fu =0.75(90)=68 ksi . Thus, ∅ Fu =68 ksi

Tu 213
f w= = =67.8 ksi . < ∅ Fbu =68 ksi (OK)
A 4 (.7854)

b
The above calculation was made in part (a). If the factored shear f w had reduced F u below 68
ksi, two more bolts could be used in compression region to reduce the factored shear stress so that the
tension volts would be acceptable.

(e) Length of End – Plate. At the end near the compression flange of the beam, it is sometimes
desirable to extend the plate outside the beam flange an amount equal to the end – plate
thickness t p. This will increase the length of the critical section used in computing the
strength based on local web yielding. The strength in local web yielding under a
concentrated load is given by LRFD – K1.3, however, a concentrated load passing through a
thick end – plate distributes over a longer critical length. Hendrick and Murray [13.75] have
recommended the following expression for the factored compression reaction strength Pcf .
 Pcf =F y t wc ( t fb + 6 k +2 t p +2 a )

Where:

Pcf =factored compression force

t wc=column webthickness

t fb =beam flange thickness

k =distance ¿ face ¿ column flange ¿ root of fillet

t p=thickness of end− plate

a=fillet weld leg dimension for beam flange ¿ end − plate weld

In this example:

Pcf =36 ( 0.830 ) [ 0.660+6 ( 2.0 ) +2 ( 1.125 ) +2 ( 0.625 ) ] =483 kips

This exceeds the factored applied compression force of 213 kips and is therefore satisfactory
without stiffeners.

The overall web buckling of the column should also be checked according to LRfD-K1.6, as well
as web crippling according to LRFD K1.4. These checks and the design of any stiffeners required have
been previously shown at the beginning of this section.
Beam to Colum – Web Direct Connection

Instead of using vertical tee stiffeners (Fig 13.6.1c) or complicated details such as shown in Fig.
13.6.3 occasionally, the designer would prefer to attach a beam directly to the column web using either
a welded or bolted connection. The column web must then resist the moment effect by the plate action.

Abolitz and Warner [13.80], Stockwell [13.81], and Kapp [13.82] have presented yield line
analyses to determine the strength of a column web when directly attached by a moment connection or
a direct tension connection. Rentsehler, Chen, and Driscoll [12.58, 13.83]. Hoptay and Ainso [13.84], and
Hopper, Batson and Amso [13.85] have conducted test of such connections. Attachments of beams to
box columns presents a similar situation. Practical design data is presented in Ref. 13.81. Other design
recommendations appear in Ref. 13.85. A detailed discussion of yield line analysis and design of these
connections is outside the scope of this text.
Continuous Beam – To – beam Connections

When beams frame transversely to other beams or girders, they may be attached to either or
both sides of the girder web using simple shear (framed beam) connections (Sec. 13.2) or using simple
seats in combination with a framed beam connection (Sec. 13.3), When full continuity of the beam is
desired, the connection must develop a higher degree of rigidity than provided by simple shear
connections. For beam – to – beam connections, the principal objective is to provide a means of
allowing the tensile forced developed in one beam flange to be carried across to the adjacent beam
framing opposite the girder web. Those connections may be divided into two categories: (1) those with
interacting tension flanges not rigidly attached to one another as in Fig. 13.7.1 (2) those with rigidly
attached intersecting tension flanges as in Fig. 13.7.2

When the intersecting tension flanges are not rigidly attached (Fig. 13.7.1) the connection
design is essentially a tension member design at the tension flange along with a shear connection.

On the other hand, the designer should be cautious when designing intersecting beams with
tension flanges attached since this case becomes one of biaxial instead of uniaxial stress. With biaxial
stress, the possibility of brittle fracture increases (see Sec. 2.9). In addition, a biaxial stress yield criterion
must be used such as Eq. 2.6.2 to establish safety:
Rigid – Frame Knees

In the design of rigid frames according to either LRFD or ASD, the safe transmission of load at
the junction of beam and column is of great importance. When members join with their webs lying in
the plane of the frame, the junction is frequently referred to as a knee joint. Typical knee joints are (1)
the “square knee with or _without a diagonal or other stiffener” (Fig. 13.8 1a and b) (2) “the square knee
with a bracket” (Fig. 13.8.1c); (3) “the straight haunched knee” (Fig. 13.8.1d) and (4) “the curve
haunched knee” (Fig. 13.8.1e).

In the analysis of a structure, designer commonly assumes the span of member to extend from
center-to-center of joints, in this case the knees. The moment of inertia would be assumed to vary in
accordance with the moment of inertia of cross-section taken at right angles to lines extending center –
to - center of knees, Internal forces are then determined using statically indeterminate analysis including
the variable moment of inertia effect when the knees are haunched or curved.

The general design concepts applicable for rigid frame knees are summarized in ASCE Manual 41
[7.2. pp. 167 - 186] which forms the basis for much of what follows

To be adequately designed, a knee connection must (1) transfer the end moment between the
pea an and the column, (2) transfer the beam end shear into the column, and (3) transfer the shear at
the top of the column into the beam. Furthermore, in performing the three functions relating to
strength, the knee must deform in a manner consistent with the analysis by which moments and shears
were determined.

If a plastic hinge associated with the failure mechanism is expected to form at or near the knee,
adequate rotation capacity must be built into the connection. Square knees have the greatest rotation
capacity but are also the most flexible (i.e. deform elastically the most under service load conditions)
Curved knees are the stiffest but have the least rotation capacity. Since straight tapered knees provide
reasonable stiffness along with adequate rotation capacity, in addition to the fact that they are cheaper
than curved haunches to fabricate, the straight haunched knees are commonly used.