J-1

CHAPTER J
DESIGN OF CONNECTIONS
INTRODUCTION

Chapter J of the Specification addresses the design and checking of connections. The chapter’s primary focus is
the design of welded and bolted connections. Design requirements for fillers, splices, column bases, concentrated
forces, anchors rods, and other threaded parts are also covered. Special requirements for connections subject to
fatigue are not covered in this chapter.
 J-2

Example J.1 Fillet Weld in Longitudinal Shear

Given:

An ¼ in.×18-in. wide plate is fillet welded to a a-in. plate. Assume that the plates are ASTM
A572 grade 50 and have been properly sized. Assume FEXX = 70 ksi. Note that plates would
normally be specified as ASTM A36, but Fy = 50 ksi plate has been used here to demonstrate
requirements for long welds.

Size the welds for the loads shown.

Solution:

Determine the maximum weld size

Because the overlapping plate is ¼ in., the maximum fillet weld size that can be used without
special notation (built out to obtain full-throat thickness as required in AISC Specification
Section J2.2b) is a x-in. fillet weld. A x-in. fillet weld can be deposited in the flat or
horizontal position in a single pass (true up to c-in).

Determine the required strength

LRFD ASD
Pu = 1.2(33 kips) + 1.6(100 kips) = 200 kips Pa = 33 kips + 100 kips = 133 kips

Determine the length of weld required

LRFD ASD
The design strength per inch of a x-in. The allowable strength per inch of a x-in.
fillet weld is fillet weld is

φRn = 1.392 (3) = 4.17 kips/ in. Rn/Ω= 0.928 (3) = 2.78 kips/ in. Manual
Part 8
Pu 200 kips Pa Ω 133 kips
= = 48 in. = = 48 in.
φRn 4.17 kips/in. Rn 2.78 kips/in.
or 24 in. of weld on each side or 24 in. of weld on each side.
 J-3

Check the weld for length to weld size ratio

l 24 in.
= = 128 > 100,
w 0.188 in.

Therefore Specification Equation J2-1 must be applied, and the length of weld increased, since
the resulting β will reduce the available strength below the required strength.

Try a weld length of 27 in. Specification

Eqn. J2-1
The new length to weld size ratio is 27 in. /0.188 in. = 144

For this ratio

β = 1.2-0.002(l/w) M 1.0; 1.2- 0.002(144) = 0.912

Recheck the weld at its reduced strength

LRFD ASD
Rn
=(0.912) ( 2.78 kips/in.)( 54 in.)
φRn = (0.912) ( 4.17 kips/in.)( 54 in.) Ω
= 205 kips > Pu = 200 kips o.k. = 137 kips > Pa = 133 kips o.k.

Therefore, use 27 in. of weld on each side Therefore, use 27 in. of weld on each side
 J-4

Example J.2 Fillet Weld Loaded at an Angle

Given:

Design a fillet weld at the edge of a gusset plate to carry a force of 50 kips due to dead load
and a force of 150 kips due to live load, at an angle of 60 degrees relative to the weld. Assume
the beam and the gusset plate thickness and length have been properly sized.

Solution:

Calculate the required strength

LRFD ASD
Pu = 1.2(50 kips) + 1.6(150 kips) = 300 kips Pa = 50 kips + 150 kips = 200 kips

Assume a c-in. fillet weld is used on each side.

The shear strength of a c-in. fillet weld is

LRFD ASD
5(1.392) = 6.96 kip/in. 5(0.928) = 4.64 kip/in.

And for two sides And for two sides

2(6.96 kip/in.) = 13.9 kip/in. 2(4.64 kip/in.) = 9.28 kip/in.

Because the angle of the force relative to the axis of the weld is 60 degrees, the strength of the
weld can be increased as follows:

(
kw = 0.60 FEXX 1.0 + 0.50 sin1.5θ )
(
= 0.60(70) 1.0 + 0.50 (0.866) 1.5
)
= 1.40
 J-5

Find the increased strength and the required length of weld

LRFD ASD
Calculate the increased strength. Calculate the increased capacity.
13.9 kip/in.(1.40) = 19.5 kip/in. 9.280 kip/in.(1.40) = 13.0 kip/in.

Determine the required length of weld. Determine the required length of weld.
300 kips/19.5 kip/in. = 15.4 in. 200 kips/13.0 kip/in. = 15.4 in.

Use 16 in. o.k. Use 16 in. o.k.

 J-6

Example J.3 Combined Tension and Shear in Bearing Type Connections

Given:

A ¾-in. diameter, ASTM A325-N bolt is subjected to a tension force of 3.5 kips due to dead
load and 12 kips due to live load, and a shear force of 1.33 kips due to dead load and 4 kips
due to live load.

Check the combined stresses according to the Equations J3-3a and J3-3b.

Solution:

Calculate the required tensile and shear strength

LRFD ASD
Tension = 1.2(3.5) +1.6(12.0) = 23.4 kips Tension = 3.5 + 12.0 = 15.5 kips
Shear = 1.2(1.33) + 1.6(4.00) = 8.00 kips Shear = 1.33 + 4.00 = 5.33 kips

Calculate fv Calculate fv

8.00/0.442 = 18.1 ksi ≤ φFnv 5.33/0.442 = 12.1 ksi ≤ Fnv /Ω

Check combined tension and shear. Check combined tension and shear. Eq. J3-3a
F ΩFnt and J3-3b
Fnt′ = 1.3 Fnt − nt f v ≤ Fnt Fnt′ = 1.3 Fnt − f v ≤ Fnt
φFnv Fnv
Fnt = 90 ksi, Fnv = 48 ksi Fnt = 90 ksi, Fnv = 48 ksi
90 2.00(90)
Fnt′ = 1.3(90) − (18.1) Fnt′ = 1.3(90) − (12.1)
0.75(48) 48
= 71.7 < 90 = 71.6 < 90 Table J3.2

Rn = Fnt′Ab = 71.7(0.442) = 31.7 kips Rn = Fnt′Ab = 71.6(0.442) = 31.6 kips Section J3.6

For combined tension and shear For combined tension and shear
φ = 0.75 Ω = 2.00

Design tensile strength Allowable tensile strength

φRn = 0.75(31.7) = 23.8 kips > 23.4 kips o.k. Rn/Ω=31.6/2.00 = 15.8 kips > 15.5 kips o.k.
 J-7

Example J.4 Slip-Critical Connection with Short Slotted Holes

High-strength bolts in slip-critical connections are permitted to be designed to prevent slip either as a
serviceability limit state or as a strength limit state. The most common design case is design for slip as a
serviceability limit state. The design of slip as a strength limit state should only be applied when bolt slip can
result in a connection geometry that will increase the required strength beyond that of a strength limit state, such
as bearing or bolt shear. Such considerations occur only when oversized holes or slots parallel to the load are
used, and when the slipped geometry increases the demand on the connection. Examples include the case of
ponding in flat-roofed long span trusses, or the case of shallow, short lateral bracing.

Given:
Select the number of ¾-in. ASTM A325 slip-critical bolts with a Class A faying surface that
are required to support the loads shown when the connection plates have short slots transverse
to the load. Select the number of bolts required for slip resistance only.

Assume that the connected pieces have short slots transverse to the load. Use a mean slip
coefficient of 0.35, which corresponds to a Class A surface.

Solution:

Calculate the required strength

LRFD ASD
Pu = 1.2(17 kips) + 1.6(51 kips) = 102 kips Pa = 17 kips + 51 kips = 68 kips

For standard holes or slots transverse to the direction of the load, a connection can be
designed on the basis of the serviceability limit state. For the serviceability limit state:

φ = 1.00 Ω = 1.50 Specification

Find Rn, where: Section J3.8

µ = 0.35 for Class A surface

Du = 1.13
hsc = 0.85 (short slotted holes)
Tb = 28 kips Table J3.1
Ns = 2, number of slip planes

Rn = µDuhscTbN
Eqn.J3-4
Rn = 0.35(1.13)(0.85)(28)(2) = 18.8 kips/bolt
 J-8

Determine the required number of bolts.

LRFD ASD
18.8 kips/bolt Manual
68 kips / = 5.42 bolts Table 7-3
102 kips/1.00(18.8 kips/bolt) = 5.42 bolts 1.50

Use 6 bolts o.k. Use 6 bolts o.k.

Given:

Repeat the problem with the same loads, but assuming that the connected pieces have long
slotted holes in the direction of the load and that the deformed geometry of the connection
would result in a critical load increase.

Solution:

Pu= 102 kips and Pa = 68 kips per the first solution

For this connection, the designer has determined that oversized holes or slots parallel to the
direction of the load will result in a deformed geometry of the connection that creates a critical
load case. Therefore, the connection is designed to prevent slip at the required strength level.

φ = 0.85 Ω = 1.76 Specification

Section J3.8
In addition, hsc will change because we now have long slotted holes.

Find Rn

µ = 0.35 for Class A surface

Du = 1.13
hsc = 0.70 (long slotted holes)
Tb = 28 kips
Ns = 2, number of slip planes Table J3.1

Rn = µDuhscTbNs

Rn = 0.35(1.13)(0.70)(28)(2) = 15.5 kips/bolt Specification

Eqn. J3-4
 J-9

Determine the required number of bolts

LRFD ASD
102 kips 68 kips (1.76) Manual
= 7.73 bolts = 7.63 bolts Table 7-4
0.85(15.5 kips/bolt) 15.5 kips/bolt
Use 8 bolts o.k. Use 8 bolts o.k.
 J-10

Example J.5 Combined Tension and Shear in a Slip-Critical Connection.

Because the pretension of a bolt in a slip-critical connection is used to create the clamping force that produces the
shear strength of the connection, the available shear strength must be reduced for any load that produces tension in
the connection.

Given:

The slip-critical bolt group shown below is subjected to tension and shear. This connection is designed for slip as
a serviceability limit state. Use ¾-in. diameter ASTM A325 slip-critical class A bolts in standard holes. This
example shows the design for bolt slip resistance only, and assumes that the beams and plates are adequate to
transmit loads in a rigid fashion.

Solution:

The fastener pretension for a ¾-in. diameter ASTM A325 bolt is 28 kips Specification
Table J3.1
Du = 1.13 per Specification Section J3.8.
Nb = number of bolts carrying the applied tension.

Determine the tension on bolts, check tension on the bolts and find ks
LRFD ASD
Pu = 1.2(10 kips)+1.6(30kips) = 60 kips Pa = 10 kips + 30kips = 40 kips

By geometry, By geometry,

4 ⎛ 60 kips ⎞ 4 ⎛ 40 kips ⎞
5 ⎜⎝ 8 bolts ⎟⎠ 5 ⎜⎝ 8 bolts ⎟⎠
Tu = = 6 kips/bolt Ta = = 4 kips/bolt

3 ⎛ 60 kips ⎞ 3 ⎛ 40 kips ⎞
5 ⎜⎝ 8 bolts ⎟⎠ 5 ⎜⎝ 8 bolts ⎟⎠
Vu = = 4.5 kips/bolt Va = = 3 kips/bolt

Check bolt tension Check bolt tension

φRn= 29.8 kips/bolt > 6 kips/bolt o.k. Rn /Ω= 19.9 kips/bolt > 4 kips/bolt o.k. Manual
Table 7-2
 J-11

Combined tension and shear factor Combined tension and shear factor
Tu 6 kips 1.5Ta 1.5 × 4 kips Eqn. J3-5a
ks = 1 − = 1− ks = 1 − = 1− and J3-5b
DuTb N b 1.13(28 kips)(1) DuTb N b 1.13(28 kips)(1)
= 0.810 = 0.810

Multiply the available shear strength of the bolts by the reduction factor ks
LRFD ASD
φRn = 11.1 kips/bolt Rn /Ω = 7.38 kips/bolt Manual
Table 7-3

Modify the slip resistance by ks and check bolt shear

LRFD ASD
ksφRn= (0.810)(11.1 kips/bolt) k s Rn
= (0.810)(7.38 kips/bolt)
Ω
= 8.99 kips/bolt > 4.50 kips/bolt o.k. = 5.98 kips/bolt > 3.00 kips/bolt o.k.
 J-12

Example J.6 Bearing Strength of a Pin in a Drilled Hole

Given:

A 1-in. diameter pin is placed in a drilled hole in a 12-in. thick steel plate.

Determine the available bearing strength of the pinned connection.

Material Properties:
Plate ASTM A36 Fy = 36 ksi Fu = 58 ksi

Solution:

Calculate the projected bearing area

Apb = dt p = (1 in.)(1 1 2 in.) = 1 1 2 in.2

Calculate nominal bearing strength

Rn = 1.8 Fy Apb = 1.8 ( 36 ksi )(1 1 2 in.) = 97.2 kips Specification

Eqn. J7-1

Calculate the available bearing strength

LRFD ASD
φ = 0.75 Ω = 2.00 Specification
Section J7
φRn = 0.75 ( 97.2 kips) = 72.9 kips
97.2 kips
Rn / Ω = = 48.6 kips
2.00
 J-13

Example J.7 Base Plate Bearing on Concrete

Given:

A W12×96 column bears on a 24 in. × 24 in. concrete pedestal. The space between the base
plate and the concrete pedestal is grouted. Design the base plate to support the following loads
in axial compression:
PD = 115 kips
PL = 345 kips

Material Properties:

Column W12×96 ASTM A992 Fy = 50 ksi Fu = 65 ksi

Base Plate ASTM A36 Fy = 36 ksi Fu = 58 ksi
Concrete Pedestal f’c = 3 ksi
Grout f’c = 4 ksi

Geometric Properties:

Column W12×96 d = 12.7 in. bf = 12.2 in. tf = 0.900 in. tw = 0.550 in. Manual
Table 1-1

Solution:

Calculate the required strength

LRFD ASD
Pu = 1.2 (115 kips) + 1.6 ( 345 kips) = 690 kips Pa = 115 kips + 345 kips = 460 kips

Aped = (24 in.)(24 in.) = 576 in.2

Acol = (12.7 in.)(12.2 in.) = 155 in.2

Since the pedestal area is larger than the column footprint area, but less than less than 4 times
column footprint area, the concrete bearing area will be the geometrically similar area of the
pedestal to the base plate.
 J-14

Calculate the base plate area

LRFD ASD
φc = 0.60 Ωc = 2.50 Specification
Pu PΩ Section J8
A1( req) = A1( req) = a c
φc 0.85 f 'c 0.85 f 'c

=
690 kips
= 451 in.2 =
( 460 kips)( 2.50) = 451 in.2
0.6 ( 0.85)( 3 ksi) ( 0.85)( 3 ksi)
Note: The strength of the grout has conservatively been neglected, as its strength is greater
than that of the concrete pedestal.

Try a 22 in.×22 in. base plate

Check base plate dimensions

Verify N ≥ d + 2 ( 3 in.) and B ≥ b f + 2 ( 3 in.)

Table 14-2

d + 2 ( 3 in.) = 12.7 in. + 2 ( 3 in.) = 18.7 in. < 22 in. o.k.

b f + 2 ( 3 in.) = 12.2 in. + 2 ( 3 in.) = 18.2 in. < 22 in. o.k.

Base plate area, A1 = NB = ( 22 in.)( 22 in.) = 484 in.2 > 451 in.2 o.k.

Note: A square base plate with a square anchor rod pattern will be used to minimize the chance
for field and shop problems.

Calculate the geometrically similar concrete bearing area

Since the pedestal is square and the base plate is a concentrically located square, the full
pedestal area is also the geometrically similar area. Therefore,

A2 = ( 24 in.)( 24 in.) = 576 in.2

Verify the concrete bearing strength

LRFD ASD
φc = 0.60 Ωc = 2.50 Specification
Section J8
A2 0.85 f 'c A1 A2 Specification
φc Pp = φc 0.85 f 'c A1 Pp / Ω c = Eqn. J8-2
A1 Ωc A1

( 0.85)( 3 ksi) ( 484 in.2 )

(
= 0.6 ( 0.85)( 3 ksi) 484 in.2 ) 576 in.2
484 in.2
=
2.5
576 in.2
484 in.2

= 808 kips > 690 kips o.k. = 539 kips > 460 kips o.k.
 J-15

Note: It is permitted to take φc = 0.65 per ACI 318-02

Also note that as the area of the base plate approaches the area of concrete, the modifying
A2
ratio, , approaches unity and Specification Eqn. J8-2 converges to Specification Eqn. J8-1.
A1

Calculate required base plate thickness Manual

Part 14
N − 0.95d 22 in. − 0.95 (12.7 in.)
m= = = 4.97 in.
2 2

B − 0.8b f 22 in. − 0.8 (12.2 in.)

n= = = 6.12 in.
2 2

db f (12.7 in.)(12.2 in.)

n' = = = 3.11 in.
4 4

LRFD ASD
Calculate required base plate thickness Calculate required base plate thickness

4db f Pu 4db f Pa Ωc
X = X =
(d + b ) (d + b )
2 2
f φc Pp f Pp

4 (12.7 in.)(12.2 in.)( 690 kips) 4 (12.7 in.)(12.2 in.)( 460 kips)
= =
(12.7 in. + 12.2 in.) (808 kips)
2
(12.7 in. + 12.2 in.) 2 ( 539 kips)
= 0.854 = 0.853

2 X 2 X
λ= ≤1 λ= ≤1
1+ 1− X 1+ 1− X

2 0.854 2 0.853
= =
1 + 1 − 0.854 1 + 1 − 0.853

= 1.34 > 1, use λ = 1. = 1.34 > 1, use λ = 1.

Note: λ can always be conservatively taken as being equal to 1

λn ' = (1)( 3.11 in.) = 3.11 in.

l = max ( m, n, λn ') = max ( 4.97 in.,6.12 in.,3.11 in.) = 6.12 in.

 J-16

LRFD ASD
P 690 kips P 460 kips
f pu = u = = 1.43 ksi f pa = a = = 0.95 ksi
BN ( 22 in.)( 22 in.) BN ( 22 in.)( 22 in.)

2 f pu 3.33 f pa
t p( req) = l t p(req) = l
0.9 Fy Fy

2 (1.43 ksi) 3.33 ( 0.950 ksi)

= ( 6.12 in.) = ( 6.12 in.)
0.9 ( 36 ksi) ( 36 ksi)

= 1.82 in. = 1.82 in.

Use a 2 in. thick base plate.