Mero Connector (Steel Ball) Design:

Equation 1:

D ≥ √ [(d2/ sinθ) + d1cotθ + 2ξd1]2 + η2d12

D ≥ √ [(16/ sin45°) + 16 x cot45° + 2 x 1.1 x 16]2 + 1.82 x 162

D ≥ 79.25 mm

Equation 2:

D ≥ √ [(ηd2/ sinθ) + ηd1cotθ]2 + η2d12

D ≥ √ [(1.8 x 16/ sin45°) + 1.8 x 16 x cot45°]2 + 1.82 x 162

D ≥ 75.26 mm

Where,

D is the diameter of the steel ball in mm

θ is the smaller intersecting angle between two bolts

d1 and d2 are the diameter of the bolts

η is the ratio between the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the sleeve and the
diameter of the bolt

The diameter of the steel ball should be taken as the larger of the value calculated
from equation 1 & 2
 1. Design of Weld for Column and Base Plate:
P= L K S ζtf

L= Effective length of weld in mm

S= Size of weld

K= Constant

ζtf= Shear stress in weld in N/mm2

L= πd = π x 300 = 942.47 mm

K= 0.7 (for angle 60˚-90˚)

S= 6 mm

ζtf= 108 N/mm2

P= 942.47 x 0.7 x 6 x 108 = 410 KN > 287 KN Hence, Safe

Provide 6mm fillet weld all-around of column at base plate.

2. Design of Weld for Column and Space Frame:

P= L K S ζtf

L= Effective length of weld in mm

S= Size of weld

K= Constant

ζtf= Shear stress in weld in N/mm2

L= πd = π x 175 = 549.77 mm

K= 0.7 (for angle 60˚-90˚)

S= 8 mm

ζtf= 108 N/mm2

P= 549.77 x 0.7 x 8 x 108 = 333 KN > 326 KN (Node-2, Load combination-14) Hence, Safe.

Provide 8mm fillet weld all around of 75mm dia ball at the top of column plate.