Lecture 11

CONNECTIONS
 CONNECTIONS IN STRUCTURAL STEEL
(Section 6 of BS 5950-1:2000 )
Connections are needed to join:
• members together in trusses and lattice girders;
• plates together to form built-up members;
• beams to beams, beams to trusses, bracing, etc. to columns in
structural frames, and
• columns to foundations.
CONNECTIONS IN STRUCTURAL STEEL
Common types of connections

• bolting
– non-preloaded bolts in standard clearance or oversize holes
(Ordinary or Black bolts) - M
– preloaded or friction-grip bolt (High Srength Friction Grip Bolts)
(HSFG)

• welding
– fillet and butt welds
Bolted Connections

Failures in bolted joint

A steel joint can fail in the following four ways:

(1) by shear on the bolt shank;

(2) by bearing on the member or bolt;
(3) by shear at the end of the member; and
(4) by tension in the member.
 These failures modes can
be prevented by taking the
following measures:
(1) For modes 1 and 2,
provide sufficient
bolts of suitable
diameter.

(2) Provide sufficient

end distance for
mode 3.

(3) For mode 4, design

tension members
Failures in shear joint for effective area
Types of failures in a shear connection

(a) Shearing of bolts

(b) Bearing failure of plate (c) Bearing failure of bolt
Mechanical properties of the bolts (BS EN ISO898: Part 1: 1999)
Bolts in shear
Bolts may be arranged to act in Single or Double shear
Block shear failure

In addition, a new failure mode, block

shear, has been observed in a shear joint
involving a group of bolts as shown in
Figure above
Minimum edge and end distance (Section 6.2.2)

The principal provisions in normal conditions are:

1) the minimum spacing is 2.5 times the bolt diameter;

2) the maximum spacing in unstiffened plates in the direction of stress is 14t ,

where t is the thickness of the thinner plate connected;

3) the minimum edge and end distance from a rolled, machine-flame cut or plane
edge is 1.25D, where D is the hole diameter.
For a sheared, hand flame cut edge or any end is 1.40D.

4) The maximum edge distance is 11tε, where ε = (275/py)0.5.

Design of Bolted Shear joints (Section 6.3)
The basic provisions are:
(1) Effective area resisting shear As.
When the shear plane occurs in the threaded portion of the bolt:
As = At
where At is the nominal tensile stress area of the bolt.

When the shear plane occurs in the non-threaded portion:

As = A
where A is the bolt shank area based on the nominal diameter. For a
more conservative design, the tensile stress area At may be used
throughout.
Tension capacity of bolt
According to the simple method, the nominal tension capacity of
the bolt, Pnom, is given by:
Pnom = 0.8ptAt

where
pt = tension strength of the bolt (Table 34)
At = tensile stress area of bolt
• (2) Shear capacity Ps of a bolt:
Ps = psAs
where ps is shear strength given in Table 30
Bearing capacity
The bearing capacity of a bolt on any connected part should be taken
as the lesser of the bearing capacity Pbb of the bolt (see 6.3.3.2) and
the bearing capacity Pbs of the part (see 6.3.3.3).
Bearing capacity of bolt
The bearing capacity of the bolt itself should be taken as:

Where
6.3.3.3 Bearing capacity of connected part
The bearing capacity Pbs of the connected part should be taken
as follows:
where
Provided that the sizes of the holes for non-preloaded bolts do not
exceed the standard dimensions given in Table 33, the coefficient
kbs allowing for the type of hole should be taken as follows:
d is the nominal diameter of the bolt;

pbb is the bearing strength of the bolt, obtained from Table 31;

tp is the thickness of the connected part, or, if the bolts are

countersunk, the thickness of the part minus half the depth of
countersinking.
Table 31 — Bearing strength of bolts
Capacity of the connected part
Table 32
 Some useful Bolt data
Nominal diameter Area of shank (mm2) Area at root of Thread
(mm2) = Tensile stress
area
M12 113 84.3
M16 201 157
M20 314 245
M22 380 303
M24 453 353
M27 573 457
M30 706 561
M33 856 694
M36 1020 617
Tension
Tension failure may arise in simple connections as a result of
excessive tension in the bolts.

Typical tension failures: (a) bolts in tension; (b) cover plate in tension.
Combined shear and tension

Where ordinary bolts are subject to

combined shear and tension (Fig. 4.55 ), in
addition to checking their shear and tension
capacities separately, the following
relationship should also be satisfied:

where;

Fs = applied shear
Ft = applied tension
Ps = shear capacity
Pnom = tension capacity
Example 1
Design a Lap joint between plates 100 x 8mm so as to transmit a
factored load of 100kN using black bolts of 12mm diameter and grade
4.6. The plates are made of steel of grade S275.

Solution
Number of shear plane = 1 ( bolts in single shear)
1. Egde distance and bolt spacing,
Minimum edge distance = 1.4D = 16.8 mm say 20mm < 11tƐ (11x10 x1 =
140mm)
Minimum spacing = 2.5d = 2.5 x 12 = 30mm
2. Shear capacity per bolt = Ps = ps x As = 160 x 84.3 = 13.49kN
3. Bearing capacity of each bolt = Pbb = d x tp x pbb
= 12 x 8 x 460 = 44.2kN
4 Bearing capacity of ply = Pbs = d x t x pbs = 12 x 8 x 460 = 44.2kN
but less than 0.5kbsetppbs = 0.5 x 1.0 x 30 x 10 x 460 = 69kN
Now the joint capacity is governed by bolt capacity = 13.49kN

5. Number of bolts required, n:

n = Factored Load/ Bolt capacity = 100kN/13.49kN = 7.19, say 8
Provide 8 M12 bolts of 4.6 grade
 Example 2: (Bolts in single shear)
Calculate the strength of the bolts in the lap splice shown in figure below
assuming the use of grade 4.6 in 22 minimum clearance holes and S275
steel grade.
Solution:
Number of shear plane = 1 ( bolts in single shear)
1. Shear capacity of bolts = Ps = n x ps x As = 3 x 160 x 245 = 118kN
2. Bearing capacity of each bolt = Pbb = d x tp x pbb = 20 x 16 x 460 =
147kN
3. Bearing capacity of ply = Pbs = d x t x pbs = 20 x 16 x 460 = 147kN
but less than 0.5kbsetppbs = 0.5 x 1.0 x 40 x 16 x 460 = 147,2kN
Example 3: (Bolts in single and double shear)
The joint shown in the Figure below is subjected to a tensile dead
load of 85 kN and a tensile imposed load of 95 kN. All data regarding
the member and joint are shown in the figure. The steel is Grade
S275 and the bolt Grade 4.6. Check that the joint is satisfactory.

Eng. H. J. Mtyana (Msc. Structural Engineering)

Solution:

Load analysis:
Factored load = (1.4 × 85) + (1.6 × 95) = 271kN

Strength of bolts:
1.Single shear capacity on threads = Ps = ps x As = 160 x 245 =
39.2kN

2.Bearing capacity of bolts on 10-mm ply = Pbs = d x t x pbs = 20 x 10 x

435 = 87kN

3. Bearing capacity on 10-mm splice with 30-mm end distance

= Pbp = d x t x pbp = 20 x 10 x 460 = 92kN
 but 0.5kbsetppbs = 0.5 x 1.0 x 30 x 10 x 460 = 69kN

Now joint strength is controlled by Shear capacity of the Bolts

Note: two bolts are in double shear and four in single.

Shear = (2×2 × 39.2) + (4 × 39.2) = 313.6 kN

Note that the capacity of the end bolt bearing on the 10mm splice
plate is controlled by the end distance ( Clause 6.3.3.3).
Strength of the angles

Gross area = 12.7 cm2 per angle (From tables)

The angles are connected through both legs. Clause 4.6.3.3 states that
the net area defined in Clause 3.3.2 is to be used in design.
The standard clearance holes are 22-mm diameter:
Net area = 2(1270 − 2 × 22 × 8) = 1,836mm2.
Design strength py = 275N/mm2 (Table 9)
Capacity Pt = 275 × 1,836/103 = 504.9 kN.
Splice plate and cover plate
Effective area = 1.2[(95 − 22)10 + (140 − 44)8] = 1,798mm2
<gross area = 2,070mm2.
Capacity Pt = 275 × 1,798/103 = 494.3 kN

Joint strength = 304kN > 271kN ..................... O.K

Eccentric connections
There are two principal types of eccentrically loaded connections:
(1) Bolt group in direct shear and torsion; and
(2) Bolt group in direct shear and tension.
Bolts in direct shear and torsion
In the connection shown in Figure 10.6(a), the moment is applied in the
plane of the connection and the bolt group rotates about its centre of
gravity.
A linear variation of loading due to moment is assumed, with the bolt
furthest from the centre of gravity of the group carrying the greatest
load. The direct shear is divided equally between the bolts and the side
plates are assumed to be rigid.
 Design principle
z Consider the group of bolts shown
in Figure 10.7(a), where the load P
P is applied at an eccentricity e.
e

A
The bolts A, B, etc. are at
F1 = Fmax
r1 distances r1, r2, etc. from the
B
r2 centroid of the group.
x x
The coordinates of each bolt are
Fx
(x1, z1), (x2, z2), etc.

Let the force due to the moment on

bolt A be F1. This is the force on
z the bolt farthest from the centre of
Bolt group in direct shear and torsion
rotation
F1/r1 = F2/r2 =F3/r3 = Fmax/rmax

Again F1 = (Fmax/rmax)r1, F2 = (Fmax/rmax)r2, Fi = (Fmax/rmax)ri

Also sum of moments at joint centroid due to forces on bolts

= F1ri + F2r2 +.....+ Firi = Pe

= (Fmax/rmax)r1(r1) + (Fmax/rmax)r2(r2) +.... + (Fmax/rmax)ri(ri) = Pe

(Fmax/rmax)(r12) + (Fmax/rmax)(r22) +.... + (Fmax/rmax)(ri2) = Pe

[(Fmax/rmax)](∑ri2) = Pe

therefore, Fmax = [Pe (rmax)]/(∑ri2)

Also, zmax/rmax = Fx/Fmax z/r = Fx = Fmax(zmax/rmax)

but Fmax = [Pe (rmax)]/(∑ri2)

Fx = [Pe (rmax)]/(∑ri2)(zmax/rmax) = Pe(zmax)/(∑ri2) , but r2 = (x2 + z2)

Thus Fx = Pe(zmax)/∑(x2 + z2)

Similarly, Fz = Pe(xmax)/∑(x2 + z2)
Hence, Fmax = [Pe (rmax)]/(∑x2 + z2)
where, Fmax is the load due to moment on the max. loaded bolt A
The load FS due to direct shear is given by
FS = P/No. of bolts.

The resultant load FR on bolt A can be found graphically, as shown

in Figure above;
The algebraic formula can be derived by referring to
figure ----
Resolving the load FT vertically and horizontally to give

Vertical load on bolt A = Fs + FT cos φ

Horizontal load on bolt A = FT sin φ

Eng. H. J. Mtyana (Msc. Structural Engineering)

 Resultant load on bolt A

Note:
The size of bolt required can then be determined from the
maximum load on the bolt.
Bolts in direct shear and tension

Eng. H. J. Mtyana (Msc. Structural Engineering)

F1/y1 = F2/y2 =F3/y3 = Fmax/ymax

F1 = Fmax and y1 = ymax

F1 = [Fmax/ymax](y1), F2 = [Fmax/ymax](y3) F3= [Fmax/ymax](y3), etc

Also sum of moments at joint rotation (at the centre of the bottom bolt) due to
forces on bolts
M = 2(F1yi + F2y2 +.....+ Fiyi) = Pe

= 2[(Fmax/ymax)y1(y1) + (Fmax/rmax)y2(y2) +.... + (Fmax/rmax)yi(yi)] = Pe

= 2[(Fmax/ymax)(y12) + (Fmax/ymax)(y22) +.... + (Fmax/ymax)(yi2)] = Pe

Eng. H. J. Mtyana (Msc. Structural Engineering)

 2[(Fmax/ymax)](∑yi2) = Pe

therefore, Fmax = [Pe (ymax)]/2(∑yi2)

Equating ymax = y1, we shall have;

Fmax = [Pe (y1)]/(2∑yi2)

where, Fmax is the maximum bolt tension

The vertical shear per bolt, Fs:

Fs = P/No. of bolts
A bolt size is assumed and checked for combined shear and tension as
described above.
 Worked example on design of Bolts in direct shear and
torsion
Check that the bracket shown in Figure 10.12 is adequate. All data
required are given in the figure below
Factored Load = (1.4 × 60) + (1.6 × 80) = 212 kN
For two brackets carrying equal load P = 212/2 = 106kN
Moment M = (106 × 525)/103 = 55.65kNm
Bolt A is the bolt with the maximum load:
Load due to moment = 55.65 × 103 × 305.16/ 921.5 × 103
= 18.43 kN

Load due to direct shear = P/No. of bolts = 106/12 = 8.83 kN.

Resultant load on bolt

= [18.432 + 8.832 + (2 × 18.43 × 8.83 × 0.819)]0.5
= 26.15kN.

Single-shear value of 24mmdiameter non-preloaded bolt on the thread,

standard tolerance hole:
353 x 160 x 10-3= 56.5kN
Bearing capacity of the bolt
Pbb = 24 × 15 × 460/103 = 165.6 kN,

From above figure,

Universal column flange thickness = 17.3 mm,
Side-plate thickness = 15 mm,
Minimum end distance = 45 mm,

Bearing capacity of the plate

Pbs = 24 × 15 × 460 x10-3 = 166 kN,
≤ 1/2 × 45 × 15 × 460 x10-3 = 155 kN.
Worked example
Show that the bolts in the bracket-to-
column connection below are suitable to
resist the design shear force of 200kN.
Assume the bolts are all M16, grade 8.8.
 Solution
Since the bolts are subject to combined shear and tension, the bolts should
be checked for shear, tension and combined shear and tension separately.

SHEAR
Design shear force, P = 200 kN
Number of bolts, N = 8
Shear force/bolt, Fs = P/N = 200/8 = 25 kN
Shear capacity of bolt, Ps, is
Ps = psAs = 375 × 157 = 58.9 × 103 = 58.9 kN > Fs ......... OK

Eng. H. J. Mtyana (Msc. Structural Engineering)

TENSILE CAPACITY
Maximum bolt tension, Ft, is
Ft = Pey1/2Σy 2
= 200 × 250 × 370/2(702 + 1702 + 2702 + 3702)
= 38 kN

Tension capacity, Pnom, is

Pnom = 0.8pt At = 0.8 × 560 × 157 = 70.3 × 103 N
= 70.3kN > Ft .................. OK

Eng. H. J. Mtyana (Msc. Structural Engineering)

COMBINED SHEAR AND TENSION
Combined check:

Hence the M16, grade 8.8 bolts are satisfactory.

Analysis of a beam-to-column connection using an
end plate

Calculate the design shear

resistance of the connection
shown below, assuming that
the steel is grade S275 and
the bolts are M20, grade 8.8
in 2mm clearance holes.
CHECK FASTENER SPACING AND EDGE/END DISTANCES
Diameter of bolt, db = 20mm
Diameter of bolt hole, Dh = 22mm
Pitch of bolt, p = 120mm
Edge distance, e1 = 35mm
End distance, e2 = 50mm
Thickness of end plate, tp = 10mm
The following conditions need to be met:
Pitch ≥ 2.5db = 2.5 × 20 = 50 < 120 OK
Pitch ≤ 14tp = 14 × 10 = 140 > 120 OK
Edge distance e1 ≥ 1.4Dh = 1.4 × 22 = 30.8 < 35 OK
End distance e2 ≥ 1.4Dh = 1.4 × 22 = 30.8 < 50 OK
e1 and e2 ≤ 11tpε = 11 × 10 × 1 = 110 > 35, 50 OK

For grade S275 steel with tp = 10 mm, py = 275 N/mm2 ε = 1.

Hence all fastener spacing and edge/end distances to fasteners are
satisfactory.

Eng. H. J. Mtyana (Msc. Structural Engineering)

BOLT GROUP STRENGTH

Shear

8 No., M20 grade 8.8 bolts; As = 245 N/mm2 and ps = 375 N/mm2

Shear capacity of single bolt, Ps, is

Ps = psAs = 375 × 245 = 91.9 × 103 = 91.9 kN

Shear capacity of bolt group is

8Ps = 8 × 91.9 = 735 kN

Bearing
Bearing capacity of bolt, Pbb, is given by
Pbb = dbtppbb = 20 × 10 × 1000 = 200 × 103 = 200kN

End plate is thinner than column flange and will therefore be critical.
Bearing capacity of end plate, Pbs, is given by

Pbs = kbsdbtppbs = 1 × 20 × 10 × 460 = 92 × 103N = 92kN

≤ 0.5kbse2tppbs = 0.5 × 1 × 50 × 10 × 460 = 115 × 103N = 115kN

Hence bearing capacity of connection = 8 × 92 = 736kN.

END PLATE SHEAR STRENGTH
Av = 0.9An = 0.9tp(bp − 4Dh) = 0.9 × 10 × (460 − 4 × 22) = 3348 mm2
Shear capacity assuming single plane of failure, Pvp, is

Pvp = 0.6py Av = 0.6 × 275 × 3348 = 552.4 × 103 = 552.4kN

Shear capacity assuming two failure planes is

2Pvp = 2 × 552.4 = 1104.8kN