4/27/2020 Bolted plate to plate connection (AISC) | IDEA StatiCa

IDEA StatiCa tutorial – Design of bolted plate to

plate connection (AISC)
Welcome to IDEA StatiCa tutorial. By following it step-by-step, you will learn how to
design and code-check a structural steel joint using IDEA StatiCa Connection.

1 New project
Let’s launch IDEA StatiCa and select application Connection. We create a new
project by selecting a starting template closest to the desired design, fill the name
and choose design code and starting material properties – A 36.

2 Geometry
Two beams were automatically added. We change the cross-section of member B1
to a welded “I section” and define the cross-section dimensions (height, flange
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thickness and width and thickness of the web).

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Then for member B2 we set the same cross section from the drop-down menu.

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3 Load effects
One load effect was automatically added. We input the values of internal forces into
the chart. More load cases can be added.

4 Design
Manufacturing operation “Plate to plate” was automatically added. We modify its
geometrical parameters, change the bolt properties and weld properties. More
operations can be added.

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5 Calculation and Check

We start the analysis by clicking Calculate in the ribbon. Analysis model is
automatically generated, calculation is performed and we can see the Overall check
displayed together with basic values of check results.

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We go to the display tab Check and there we activate Strain check, Bolt forces,
Mesh and Deformed from the ribbon to get a full picture of what is happening in the
joint. We open the tab Bolts to see that there are some unused bolts.

We can take a look at the bolt check equations in the expand menu.

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6 Optimization
IDEA StatiCa Connection allows easy optimization of the joint. We pointed out that
usage of some bolts is almost zero. We can remove them and make our design more
economical.

We right-click on the connecting plate and select Editor. There we click Explode
and select and remove bolts 5, 7, 9, 11, 17, 19, 21 and 23 by clicking Delete.

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Then we run the Calculation again and check updated results. The new design
passes all the checks and we saved 1/3 of bolts.

7 Report
At last we go to the tab Report. IDEA StatiCa offers fully customizable report to print
out or save in editable format.

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We have designed, optimized and code-checked a bolted plate to plate connection

according to AISC code.

Related articles and tutorials:

IDEA StatiCa FAQ – How to export report to MS Word, DXF or PDF files?

Theoretical Background – check of components according to AISC

Verification examples AISC

Keywords:

connection, joint, AISC, bolt, plate to plate, code-check, bolt optimization, edit bolts,
delete bolts, save material, bolts equations
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