Connection Design

A Beginner's Guide to the Steel Construction Manual last modified: 11 Aug 2007
Example Problem 4.1 by: TBQ
Given: A lap splice is connected with (11) A325-X bolts as shown.

Assume that the applied load consists of 40% dead load and 60% live load.
db = 0.75 in
% DL 40%
% LL 60%
bolts:
3/4" dia
A325-X
pretensioned
in standard holes
Class A faying surfaces
Wanted: Determine the capacity of the connection based on bolt strength as specified below.
Consider both LRFD and ASD.
Express your results in terms of service load levels.
a. Determine the slip capacity of the connection.

b. Determine the bearing capacity of the connection.
Solution:
Results Summary: Computations follow
Table of Capacities
LRFD ASD
Limit State fRn Ps,eq Rn/W Ps,eq
(k) (k) (k) (k)
Slip 122 84.6 81.2 81.2 <--- max. load that ensures no slip
Shear Rupture 219 152 146 146 <--- max. load that ensures no bolt shear failu
Answer Answer
ASCE 7 Load Combinations:

The controlling load cases are LRFD LC2 abd ASD LC2
Composite load factor for LRFD: Pu = 1.44 Ps,eq

Composite load factor for ASD: Pa = 1.00 Ps,eq
a. Slip Capacity - See specification J3.8
m 0.35 (Class A Surfaces)

Du 1.13
hsc 1 (Standard Holes)
Tb 28 kips/bolt
Ns 1
rn 11.1 kips/bolt
Nb 11 bolts
Rn 122 kips/connection
LRFD ASD
f= 1 W= 1.5
f Rn = 122 kips Rn / W = 81 kips
b. Bearing Capacity - See specification J3.6
Fnv 60 ksi (from Table J3.2)

Ab 0.4418 in2
rn 26.5 kips/shear plane
Ns 1 shear planes/bolt
Nb 11 bolts
LRFD ASD
f= 0.75 W= 2
ed: 11 Aug 2007
oad that ensures no slip

oad that ensures no bolt shear failure
Given: A splice plate connection is used to connect two WTs together as shown.
The connection is subjected to axial tension, P.
Assume that the load transferred consists of Dead Load (30%) and Seismic Load (70%).
db = 0.75 in
% DL 30%
%E 70%
bolts:
3/4" dia
A325-X
pretensioned
in standard holes
Class B faying surfaces

Solution:
Table of Capacities
LRFD ASD
Limit State fRn Ps,eq Rn/W Ps,eq
(k) (k) (k)
Slip 435 410 290 367 <--- max. load that ensures no slip
Shear Rupture 437 413 292 369 <--- max. load that ensures no bolt shear failu
Answer Answer
Notice that if the extra work is put into creating Class B faying surfaces that
the slip capacity approaches the bolt strength (bearing) capacity.

The controlling load case is LRFD LC5 The controlling load case is ASD LC5
Composite load factor for LRFD: Pu = 1.06 Ps,equiv Composite load factor for ASD:
a. Slip Capacity - See specification J3.8
m 0.5 (Class B Surfaces)

Du 1.13
Tb 35 kips/bolt
rn 39.6 kips/bolt
Nb 11 bolts
LRFD ASD
f= 1 W= 1.5

Ab 0.4418 in2
Nb 11 bolts
LRFD ASD
f= 0.75 W= 2
ed: 11 Aug 2007
oad that ensures no slip

oad that ensures no bolt shear failure
ase is ASD LC5
Ps = 0.790 Ps,equiv
Given: A WT is bolted to a W section as part of a beam/brace connection as shown.

The connection is subjected to axial tension, P. Bolt size, type, location, etc. are
all given on the drawing. Assume that the load transfer consists of only Wind Load (100%).
db = 0.75 in
%W 100%
bolts:
3/4" dia
A325-N
pretensioned
in standard holes
Express your results in terms of comparable service level loads.

Solution:
Allowable Brace Force (at comparable service load levels)
Part (a) Slip Critical

LRFD ASD
(k) (k)
Slip 41.1 43.9 <--- Controls
Tensile Rupture 186 199
Controlling Limit 41.1 43.9
Part (b) Bearing

LRFD ASD
(k) (k)
Shear Rupture 74.6 79.5
Tensile Rupture 69.2 73.8 <--- Controls
Controlling Limit 69.2 73.8
Load Components
Pt = 0.6 Pbrace
Pv = 0.8 Pbrace

Composite load factor for LRFD: Pu = 1.60 Ps,equiv Composite load factor for ASD:
a. Slip Critical Connection
Tensile Rupture Limit State - Section J3.6
Fnt = 90 ksi (Table J3.2)

Ab = 0.4418 in2
rn = 39.8 k/bolt
Nb = 6 bolts
Rn = 239 k/connection
LRFD ASD
f= 0.75 W= 2
Pvs,eq < 112 kips Pvs,eq < 119 kips
Pbrace < 186 kips Pbrace < 199 kips
Slip Limit State - Section J3.8 and J3.9
m 0.35 (Class B Surfaces)

Du 1.13
Tb 28 kips/bolt
rn 11.1 kips/bolt
Nb 6 bolts
Rn 66.4 kips/connection
LRFD ASD
Pvu =1 .28 Pbrace ≤φR n k s =φRn 1−

0. 96 Pbrace
(
Du T b N b ) Pvs =0 . 80 Pbrace ≤
Rn
Ω
R
k s = n 1−
Ω (
1 .5 ( 0. 06 Pbrace )
Du T b N b )
φRn Rn
Pbrace ≤ Ω
0. 96 φR n Pbrace ≤
( 1. 28+
Du T b N b ) ( 0 . 80+
0 . 90 R n
Ω Du T b N b )
Pvu =1 .28 Pbrace ≤φR n k s =φRn 1−
( 0. 96 Pbrace
Du T b N b )
Rn Rn
Pvs =0 . 80 Pbrace ≤Ω k s =Ω 1−
Du T b N b (
1 .5 ( 0. 06 Pbrace )
)
φRn Rn
Pbrace ≤
0. 96 φR n Pbrace ≤ Ω
( 1. 28+
Du T b N b ) (
0 . 80+
0 . 90 R n
Ω Du T b N b )
f= 1 W= 1.5
Pbrace = 41.1 kips Pbrace = 43.9 kips
b. Bearing Connection
Shear Rupture Limit State - Section J3.6

Ab 0.4418 in2
Nb 6 bolts
LRFD ASD
f= 0.75 W= 2
f Rn = 95.4 kips Rn / W = 63.6 kips
Pv,seq = 59.6 kips Pv,seq = 63.6 kips
Pbrace = 74.6 kips Pbrace = 79.5 kips
Tension Rupture Limit State - Sections J3.6 & J3.7
Fnt = 90 ksi (Table J3.2)

Ab = 0.4418 in2
rn = 39.8 k/bolt
Nb = 6 bolts
Rn = 239 k/connection
LRFD ASD
f= 0.75 W= 2
Without J3.9 reduction: Without J3.9 reduction:

Pts,eq < 112 kips Pts,eq < 119 kips
Pbrace < 186 kips Pbrace < 199 kips
With req'd J3.7 reduction: With req'd J3.7 reduction:

'
'
[
Ptu =1. 6 ( 0. 60 Pb )≤φ F nt A b N b =φ 1 . 3 F nt −
F nt
]
f A N
φF nv v b b
Pts=0. 60 Pb ≤
F nt A b
Ω [
N b = 1. 3 F nt −
Ω Fnt
F nv
fv
Ab N
Ω ]
[
0 . 96 Pb ≤φA b N b 1 .3 F nt −
F nt 1. 6 ( 0. 80 Pb )
φFnv A b N b ] [
0 . 60 Pb ≤ 1. 3 Fnt −
]
Ω Fnt ( 0. 80 Pb ) Ab N b
F nv A b N b Ω
F nt Pb Rn F
0 . 96 Pb ≤1. 3 φR n −1 .28 0 . 60 Pb ≤1. 3 −0. 80 nt Pb
F nv Ω F nv
1 .3 φR R
'
[ F
]
Ptu =1. 6 ( 0. 60 Pb )≤φ F nt A b N b =φ 1 . 3 F nt − nt f v A b N b
'
φF nv
F A
[
Pts=0. 60 Pb ≤ nt b N b = 1. 3 F nt −
Ω
Ω Fnt
F nv
A N
fv b
Ω ]
[
0 . 96 Pb ≤φA b N b 1 .3 F nt −
F nt 1. 6 ( 0. 80 Pb )
φFnv A b N b ] [
0 . 60 Pb ≤ 1. 3 Fnt −
]
F nv A b N b Ω
F nt Pb Rn F
0 . 96 Pb ≤1. 3 φR n −1 .28 0 . 60 Pb ≤1. 3 −0. 80 nt Pb
F nv Ω F nv
1 .3 φR n Rn
Pb ≤ 1 .3
F nt Pb ≤ Ω
0 . 96+1 . 28 F nt
F nv 0 . 60+0 . 80
F nv
Pbrace < 69.2 kips Pbrace < 73.8 kips

ed: 11 Aug 2007
oad (100%).
ase is ASD LC4
Ps = 1.00 Ps,equiv
1−
1 .5 ( 0. 06 Pbrace )
Du T b N b )
1−
1 .5 ( 0. 06 Pbrace )
Du T b N b )
Ab
[
N b = 1. 3 F nt −
Ω Fnt
F nv ]
fv
Ab Nb
Ω
−
F nv A b N b Ω]
F nt
0. 80 Pb
F nv
Ab
[
N b = 1. 3 F nt −
Ω Fnt
F nv ] A N
fv b b
Ω
−
F nv A b N b ]
Ω
F nt
0. 80 P
F nv b
v
A Beginner's Guide to the Steel Construction Manual last modified: 24 Sept 2007
Example Problem 4.4a by: TBQ
Given: A bracket is connected to a column flange as shown.

Assume that the applied load is 50% D and 50% L.
The bolt information is given on the drawing.
db = 0.75 in
%D 50%
%L 50%
bolts:
3/4" dia
A490-N
pretensioned
in standard holes
a. Determine the bearing capacity of the connection using the elastic method.
b. Determine the bearing capacity of the connection using the IC method.
Solution (a):
Bearing Capacity - Elastic Method
LRFD ASD
(k) (k)
Ps,eq < 32.9 30.7

Composite load factor for LRFD: Pu = 1.40 Ps,eq Composite load factor for ASD:

Ab 0.4418 in2
Ns 1 shear planes
rn 26.5 kips/bolt
LRFD ASD
f= 0.75 W= 2
Compute the coefficient that relates applied load to maximum bolt force:
Let P = 10 k Px = 5.000 k
d= 30 deg Py = -8.660 k
e= 7.75 in M = Pe = 77.5 in-k
Compute bolt geometry quantities:
Bolt cx cy c Ix Iy
(in) (in) (in) (in )
4
(in4)
1 -1.75 4.5 4.83 8.95 1.35
2 1.75 4.5 4.83 8.95 1.35
3 -1.75 1.5 2.30 0.99 1.35
4 1.75 1.5 2.30 0.99 1.35
5 -1.75 -1.5 2.30 0.99 1.35
6 1.75 -1.5 2.30 0.99 1.35
7 -1.75 -4.5 4.83 8.95 1.35
8 1.75 -4.5 4.83 8.95 1.35
39.76 10.82
Ip = 50.58 in4
Compute the bolt forces:
Bolt rpx rpy rmx rmy rx ry r

(k) (k) (k) (k) (k) (k) (k)
1 -0.625 1.083 -3.046 -1.184 -3.671 -0.102 3.672
2 -0.625 1.083 -3.046 1.184 -3.671 2.267 4.314
3 -0.625 1.083 -1.015 -1.184 -1.640 -0.102 1.643
4 -0.625 1.083 -1.015 1.184 -1.640 2.267 2.798
5 -0.625 1.083 1.015 -1.184 0.390 -0.102 0.403
6 -0.625 1.083 1.015 1.184 0.390 2.267 2.300
7 -0.625 1.083 3.046 -1.184 2.421 -0.102 2.423
8 -0.625 1.083 3.046 1.184 2.421 2.267 3.317
-5.000 8.660 rmax = 4.314
C = P/rmax = 2.318
Using the coefficent, we can now compute the capacities using P = C*r max:
LRFD ASD
rmax = fRn 19.9 k/bolt rmax = Rn/W = 13.3
Pu < 46.1 kips Pa < 30.7
Ps,eq < 32.9 kips Ps,eq < 30.7
ed: 24 Sept 2007
ase is ASD LC2
Ps = 1.00 Ps,eq
k/bolt
kips
kips
A Beginner's Guide to the Steel Construction Manual last modified: 24 Sept 2007
Example Problem 4.4b by: TBQ
Given: A bracket is connected to a column flange as shown.

Assume that the applied load is 50% D and 50% L.
The bolt information is given on the drawing.
db = 0.75 in
%D 50%
%L 50%
bolts:
3/4" dia
A490-N
pretensioned
in standard holes
a. Determine the bearing capacity of the connection using the elastic method.
b. Determine the bearing capacity of the connection using the IC method.
Solution (b):
Results Summary: Computations follow LRFD

(k)
Bearing Capacity - IC Method Elastic Ps,eq < 32.9
IC Ps,eq < 36.3
LRFD ASD
(k) (k)
Ps,eq < 36.3 33.8


Ab 0.4418 in2
Ns 1 shear planes
rn 26.5 kips/bolt
LRFD ASD
f= 0.75 W= 2
Bart:
Compute the coefficient that relates applied load to maximum bolt force: Change these two values until the orange colored
cell below is essentially zero. You can use the
d= 30 deg Dmax = 0.340 in excell add-in "Solver" to do this automatically. Be
aware that there is more than one root!
Rult = 74.0 k
Locate the IC relative to the bolt CG

x y
(in) (in) Computations for ro
IC -1.41 -1.14 atan(d) = 0.4823
CG 0.00 0.00 rox = 10.22 in
Load 7.75 6.00 roy = 4.93 in
These values found by computing
ro = 11.35 in the intersection of two line whose
slope we know and a point that each
Compute bolt geometry and deformation quantities: passes through.
Bolt cxcg cycg cxic cyic cic D

(in) (in) (in) (in) (in) (in)
1 -1.75 4.5 -0.341 5.636 5.65 0.30
2 1.75 4.5 3.159 5.636 6.46 0.34
3 -1.75 1.5 -0.341 2.636 2.66 0.14
4 1.75 1.5 3.159 2.636 4.11 0.22
5 -1.75 -1.5 -0.341 -0.364 0.50 0.03
6 1.75 -1.5 3.159 -0.364 3.18 0.17
7 -1.75 -4.5 -0.341 -3.364 3.38 0.18
8 1.75 -4.5 3.159 -3.364 4.62 0.24
max = 6.46 0.34
Compute the bolt forces:
Bolt r rx ry r*cic
(k) (k) (k) (in-k)
1 71.9 -71.8 -4.3 406
2 72.6 -63.4 35.5 469
3 63.3 -62.8 -8.1 168
4 69.2 -44.3 53.1 285
5 33.0 24.1 -22.6 16
6 66.0 7.6 65.6 210
7 66.8 66.5 -6.7 226
8 70.3 51.3 48.1 325
sums = -92.7 160.6 2105
P= 185.48 185.48 185.48
Differences 0.00 0.00 0.00 Good
rmax = 72.6
C = P/rmax = 2.554
Using the coefficent, we can now compute the capacities using P = C*r max:
LRFD ASD
rmax = fRn 19.9 k/bolt rmax = Rn/W = 13.3
Pu < 50.8 kips Pa < 33.8
Ps,eq < 36.3 kips Ps,eq < 33.8
ed: 24 Sept 2007
ASD
(k)
30.7
33.8
ase is ASD LC2
Ps = 1.00 Ps,eq
8.00
these two values until the orange colored

w is essentially zero. You can use the
d-in "Solver" to do this automatically. Be 6.00
hat there is more than one root!
4.00
-1.41 -1.14
0.00 0.00
2.00
7.75 6.00
Column
-1.75 4.50 L
1.75 0.00 4.50

y computing -4.00 -1.75
-2.00 1.50
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00
o line whose
point that each -2.00
1.75 1.50
-1.75 -1.50
1.75 -4.00 -1.50
-1.75 -4.50
1.75 -4.50
-6.00
k/bolt
kips
kips
A Beginner's Guide to the Steel Construction Manual last modified: 18 Jan 2010
Given: The following data:
Eccentric Load
DL 50% Ps,equiv
LL 50% Ps,equiv
Eccentricity 7 in
Fy = 50 ksi
Fu = 65 ksi
db = 0.875 in
Ab = 0.6013 in^2
Tb 39 kips
Fnv = 48 ksi
Fnt = 90 ksi
Number of bolts, nb 8 bolts:

number of rows 4 7/8" dia
Row spacing 3 in A325-N
pretensioned
bf tf in standard holes
Column: W14x61 10 0.645 in
Bracket: WT6x13 6.49 0.38 in Class A faying surfaces
Wanted: Determine the capacity of the connection based on bolt strength as specified below. Consider both LRFD and ASD
Express your results in terms of comparable service level loads.
part (a) use the SCM Case I method

part (b) use the SCM Case II Method
Solution:
Solution Summary LRFD ASD

(kips) (kips)
a Case I
Shear limit 123.70 115.45
Tension limit 77.35 48.75
Controlling Value 77.35 48.75 <---- Answer (a)
b Case II
Shear limit 123.70 115.45
Tension limit 62.38 46.26
Controlling Value 62.38 46.26 <---- Answer (b)

part (a)
Using SCM Case I (SCM page 7-10):
Shear Strength of Bolts (J3.6)

Fnv 48 ksi
Ab 0.6013 in^2
rn = FnvAb = Rn / nb 28.9 k/shear plane
Shear Planes 1
rn 28.9 k/bolt
LRFD ASD
ruv < rnuv = frn rav < rnav = rn / Wv
fv = 0.75 Wv =
fv rn = 21.6 kips/bolt rn / Wv =
Pu,max < fv rn nb = 173.18 kips/connection Pa,max = nb rn / Wv =
CLF 1.40 CLF
Ps,eq < 123.70 kips/connection Ps,eq <
Determine Section properties: Ix and c

Bolt table
d 3.196 in Row # Area depth y=c
Depth = 12 in 1 1.203 1.5 7.304
beff = 3.04 in 2 1.203 4.5 4.304
beff*d*d/2 15.53 in3 3 1.203 7.5 1.304
4 1.203 10.5 -1.696
sum(Ay) =
beff*d*d/2-sum(Ay) 0.00 <--- find the "d" that makes this zero
Ix = beff*d3/3 + sum(Ay2) = 121.6 in4
Max bolt tension, rt = 0.25 * either Pa or Pu
Tension Strength of Bolts (J3.6)

Fnt 90 ksi
Ab 0.6013 in^2
LRFD ASD
f min[1.3Fnt - (Fnt/fFnv)(Pu/nbAb) , Fnt] Ab > rut min[1.3Fnt - (WFnt/Fnv)(P
ft = 0.75 Wt =
Pu < 108.3 kips Pa <
Check limit on F'nt: Check limit on F'nt:
fv = 22.5 ksi fv =
F'nt = EQ J3-3a 60.7 ksi F'nt = EQ J3-3b
F'nt / Fnt = 0.675 < 1 … OK F'nt / Fnt =
CLF 1.40 CLF
part (b)
Using SCM Case II (SCM page 7-12):
n' 4
dm 6 in
Note that you will have to solve the design inequalities for P u and Ps.
Shear Strength of Bolts (J3.6)

Fnv 48 ksi
Ab 0.6013 in^2
rn = FnvAb = Rn / nb 28.9 k/shear plane
Shear Planes 1
rn 28.9 k/bolt
LRFD ASD
ruv < rnuv = frn rav < rnav = rn / Wv
fv = 0.75 Wv =
fv rn = 21.6 kips/bolt rn / Wv =
Pu,max < fv rn nb = 173.18 kips/connection Pa,max < nb rn / Wv =
CLF 1.40 CLF
Tension Strength of Bolts (J3.6)

Fnt 90 ksi
Ab 0.6013 in^2
Max bolt tension, rt = 0.29 * either Pa or Pu
LRFD ASD
f min[1.3Fnt - (Fnt/fFnv)(Pu/nbAb) , Fnt] Ab > rut min[1.3Fnt - (WFnt/Fnv)(P
ft = 0.75 Wt =
Pu < 87.3 kips Pa <
Check limit on F'nt: Check limit on F'nt:
fv = 18.2 ksi fv =
F'nt = EQ J3-3a 71.6 ksi F'nt = EQ J3-3b
F'nt / Fnt = 0.796 < 1 … OK F'nt / Fnt =
CLF 1.40 CLF
ed: 18 Jan 2010
elow. Consider both LRFD and ASD.
<---- Answer (a)
<---- Answer (b)
ase is ASD LC2

Ps = 1.00 Ps,eq
2
14.4 kips/bolt
115.45 kips/connection
1.00
Ay Ay2
8.78 64.16
5.18 22.28
1.57 2.04
0.00 0.00
15.53
sum(Ay2) = 88.48
- (WFnt/Fnv)(Pa/nbAb) , Fnt] Ab / W > rat

2
48.7 kips
10.1 ksi
79.0 ksi
0.878 < 1 … OK
1.00
2
14.4 kips/bolt
1.00
- (WFnt/Fnv)(Pa/nbAb) , Fnt] Ab / W > rat

2
46.3 kips
9.6 ksi
80.9 ksi
0.899 < 1 … OK
1.00

Connection Design

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A Beginner's Guide to the Steel Construction Manual last modified: 11 Aug 2007

Example Problem 4.1 by: TBQ

Given: A lap splice is connected with (11) A325-X bolts as shown.

Class A faying surfaces

a. Determine the slip capacity of the connection.

Results Summary: Computations follow

ASCE 7 Load Combinations:

Composite load factor for LRFD: Pu = 1.44 Ps,eq

a. Slip Capacity - See specification J3.8

m 0.35 (Class A Surfaces)

b. Bearing Capacity - See specification J3.6

Fnv 60 ksi (from Table J3.2)

oad that ensures no slip

Class B faying surfaces

a. Determine the slip capacity of the connection.

Results Summary: Computations follow

ASCE 7 Load Combinations:

m 0.5 (Class B Surfaces)

b. Bearing Capacity - See specification J3.6

Fnv 60 ksi (from Table J3.2)

oad that ensures no slip

ase is ASD LC5

Given: A WT is bolted to a W section as part of a beam/brace connection as shown.

Class A faying surfaces

a. Determine the slip capacity of the connection.

Results Summary: Computations follow

Allowable Brace Force (at comparable service load levels)

Part (a) Slip Critical

Part (b) Bearing

ASCE 7 Load Combinations:

a. Slip Critical Connection

Tensile Rupture Limit State - Section J3.6

Fnt = 90 ksi (Table J3.2)

Slip Limit State - Section J3.8 and J3.9

m 0.35 (Class B Surfaces)

Pvu =1 .28 Pbrace ≤φR n k s =φRn 1−

Shear Rupture Limit State - Section J3.6

Fnv 48 ksi (from Table J3.2)

Tension Rupture Limit State - Sections J3.6 & J3.7

Fnt = 90 ksi (Table J3.2)

Without J3.9 reduction: Without J3.9 reduction:

With req'd J3.7 reduction: With req'd J3.7 reduction:

Pbrace < 69.2 kips Pbrace < 73.8 kips

Given: A bracket is connected to a column flange as shown.

Class A faying surfaces

Results Summary: Computations follow

Bearing Capacity - Elastic Method

ASCE 7 Load Combinations:

b. Bearing Capacity - See specification J3.6

Fnv 60 ksi (from Table J3.2)

Compute bolt geometry quantities:

Compute the bolt forces:

Bolt rpx rpy rmx rmy rx ry r

ase is ASD LC2

Given: A bracket is connected to a column flange as shown.

Class A faying surfaces

Results Summary: Computations follow LRFD

ASCE 7 Load Combinations:

b. Bearing Capacity - See specification J3.6

Fnv 60 ksi (from Table J3.2)

Locate the IC relative to the bolt CG

Bolt cxcg cycg cxic cyic cic D

Compute the bolt forces: