eurocode - connections handbook

FastrakCSCStructural steelworkanalysis and design

CONNECTIONS

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Connections Documentation page 2 CSCs Offices Worldwide


CSC (UK) LtdYeadon House

New StreetPudsey

Leeds, UKLS28 8AQ

Tel: (44) 113 239 3000Fax: (44) 113 236 0546

Email: [email protected]@cscworld.com

Internet: www.cscworld.com

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Australia

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Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

Internet: www.cscworld.com

Disclaimer page 3Disclaimer CSC (UK) Ltd does not accept any liability whatsoever for loss or damage arising from any errors which might be contained in the documentation, text or operation of the programs supplied.

It shall be the responsibility of the customer (and not CSC)

to check the documentation, text and operation of the programs supplied,

to ensure that the person operating the programs or supervising their operation is suitably qualified and experienced,

to ensure that program operation is carried out in accordance with the user manuals,

at all times paying due regard to the specification and scope of the programs and to the CSC Software Licence Agreement.

ProprietaryRights

CSC (UK) Ltd, hereinafter referred to as the OWNER, retains all proprietary rights with respect to this program package, consisting of all handbooks, drills, programs recorded on CD and all related materials. This program package has been provided pursuant to an agreement containing restrictions on its use.

This publication is also protected by copyright law. No part of this publication may be copied or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, manual or otherwise, or disclosed to third parties without the express written permission of the OWNER.

This confidentiality of the proprietary information and trade secrets of the OWNER shall be construed in accordance with and enforced under the laws of the United Kingdom.

Fastrak documentation: Fastrak software: CSC (UK) Ltd 2012 CSC (UK) Ltd 2012All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

Trademarks Fastrak is a trademark of CSC (UK) LtdTEDDS is a registered trademark of CSC (UK) LtdOrion is a trademark of CSC (UK) LtdThe CSC logo is a trademark of CSC (UK) Ltd

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DisclaimerTuesday 16 October 2012 13:14

Table of Contents Connections Documentation page 5Help System 8Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Customising Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

How do I set preferences? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8How do I control Connections interface components? . . . . . . . . 8

Working with Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10How do I create a new project? . . . . . . . . . . . . 10How do I open an existing project? . . . . . . . . . . . 11How do I close a project? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11How do I save a project with the same file name? . . . . . . . . . 11How do I save a project with a new file name? . . . . . . . . . 12How do I edit the project details? . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Working with Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12How do I add a new connection to a project? . . . . . . . . . 12How do I add a new connection of the same type to a project?. . . . . . . 13How do I modify the reference details for a connection? . . . . . . . . 13How do I modify the configuration of a connection? . . . . . . . . 13How do I copy a connection? . . . . . . . . . . . . 14How do I delete a connection? . . . . . . . . . . . . 14How do I edit the basic connection details? . . . . . . . . . . 15How do I perform the design? . . . . . . . . . . . . 15How do I view a designs results? . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Working with Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15How do I control the view in the connection Definition window? . . . . . . 15

Working with Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17How do I set up a page header or page footer? . . . . . . . . . 17How do I set up a report page? . . . . . . . . . . . . 20How do I control the contents of a report? . . . . . . . . . . 20How do I view a report? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20How do I export a report to Microsoft Word?. . . . . . . . . . 21How do I export a report to a pdf file? . . . . . . . . . . . 21How do I print a report? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22How do preview a report? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22How do I control the printer used to create a report? . . . . . . . . 22

Exporting information from Fastrak Connections . . . . . . . . . 22How do I return information to the Building Designer? . . . . . . . . 22

Connections Documentation page 6 Table of ContentsEC3 Connections Design Handbook 25

Connection Modelling in Building Designer 26Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Data Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Connection Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Generating Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Editing Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Viewing Results and Creating Output . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Simple Connections 30Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connection Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Steel Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Notches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Connecting Element Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Design Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Tie forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Limitations and Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31General Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31General Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Additional Assumptions and Limitations for End Plate and Fin Plate Connections . . . . 34

Design Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Column Splices 37Practical Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Design Code Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Steel Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Steel Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Connection configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Limitations and Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Hollow Section Connections 40Practical Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Checking a Hollow Section Connection . . . . . . . . . . . 40Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Design Code Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Connection configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Steel sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Theory and Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Column Bases 44Practical Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Design Code Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Tuesday 16 October 2012 13:14

Table of Contents Connections Documentation page 7Base Plate Steel Grades: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Design Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Column Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Base Plate Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Concrete Foundation Design . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Theory and Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Design method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Clarification of the design bearing strength calculation . . . . . . . . 46

Analysis 47Global analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Connection analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Additional Design Considerations 48Accidental Limit state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Structural Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Fire Limit State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Serviceability Limit State . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Sign Conventions 50Simple Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Moment Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Column Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Hollow Section Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

References 51Simple Connections, Column Base Connections . . . . . . . . . 51Hollow Section Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connections Documentation page 8 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak ConnectionsHelp System

Chapter 1 Working With Fastrak Connections

Overview

The main sections in this document are listed below. The links take you to the initial topic for that section.

Major topics Overview Customising Connections Working with Projects Working with Connections Working with Views Working with Reports Exporting information from Fastrak Connections

Customising ConnectionsThese topics tell you how to customise the Fastrak Connections interface, both by preferences which you can set, and also by the components you can add-to, or remove-from the interface.

The links below detail all the available topics in this section.

Related topics How do I set preferences? How do I control Connections interface components?

How do I set preferences?

1. Pick File/Preferences

2. Use the various pages of the Preferences property sheet to tailor the way that you and Connections work together.

How do I control Connections interface components?You can switch various elements of the Fastrak Connections interface on and off at will.

When you install Fastrak Connections the toolbars, status bar, workbook and project workspace are all shown. We would recommend that you do not turn these off on a long term basis since they provide much useful information and are the quickest way to access many features. However, you may want to switch one or more off momentarily to increase the area available for a graphical display.

Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connections Connections Documentation page 9To hide a toolbar

1. Pick View/ToolbarsToolbar Name (where Toolbar Name is the name of the toolbar you want to switch off).

Note Toolbars which are already switched off will not have the icon against their name in the list.

To show a toolbar

1. Pick View/ToolbarsToolbar Name (where Toolbar Name is the name of the toolbar you want to switch on).

Note Toolbars which are already switched on will have the icon against their name in the list.

To set the position of a toolbar

1. Grab the toolbar by its handle (a vertical bar to its left for a horizontal toolbar, or a horizontal bar at its top for a vertical toolbar) and drag the toolbar to its new location.

2. If you place the toolbar over an edge of the main Connections window, then it will dock to that edge.

To change the shape of a floating toolbar

In order to change the shape of a toolbar it must not be docked against an edge of the Connections window.

1. Position the cursor over an edge of the floating toolbar, and you will see that the pointer changes to a representation of two arrows.

2. Click and hold the left mouse button and drag in the direction of the arrows.

3. The toolbar will change shape in a series of steps, to accommodate the buttons that it contains. Once you have achieved the shape that you require release the mouse button.

To hide the status bar

1. Pick View/Status Bar.

Note If the status bar is already switched off it will not have the icon against its name in the menu.

To show the status bar

1. Pick View/Status Bar.

Note If the status bar is already switched on it will have the icon against its name in the menu.

To hide the workbook

1. Pick View/Workbook.

Connections Documentation page 10 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak ConnectionsNote If the workbook is already switched off it will not have the icon against its name in the menu.

To show the workbook

1. Pick View/Workbook.

Note If the workbook is already switched on it will have the icon against its name in the menu.

To hide the project workspace

1. Pick View/Project Workspace or click the icon at the top-right of the project workspace.

Note If the project workspace is already switched off it will not have the icon against its name in the menu.

To show the project workspace

1. Pick View/Project Workspace.

Note If the project workspace is already switched on it will have the icon against its name in the menu.

To set the position of the project workspace

1. Grab the project workspace by its handle (the title bar at the top of the project workspace pane) and drag it to its new location.

2. If you place the project workspace over an edge of the main Connections window, then it will dock to that edge.

Working with Projects

These topics relate to the way in which you can work with projects in Fastrak Connections.


Related topics How do I create a new project? How do I open an existing project? How do I close a project? How do I save a project with the same file name? How do I save a project with a new file name? How do I edit the project details?

How do I create a new project?

1. Pick File/New Project ( ).

Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connections Connections Documentation page 112. Enter the Project Details (the Job No. is required, the other information is optional) and then click OK.

3. Pick the Type of the first connection that your project is to contain and enter its Reference. Once you have done this click OK.

4. You will see a dialog which allows you to define the detail of the connection. Use its various pages to do so and then click OK.

5. Your new project opens and you will see the Connection Definition window for the first connection it contains.

How do I open an existing project?

1. Pick File/Open Project ( ).

2. Navigate to the folder which contains the project you want to open, then either: click the file name, and then click Open, or double click the file name.

How do I close a project?

1. Pick File/Close

2. If the project has not changed in any way since you last saved it, then it will close immediately.

3. If the project has changed, then you will be asked if you want to save it. The options you have are:

Yes save the project1 and then close it, No close the project losing any unsaved changes, Cancel abort the closing of the project, leaving it open.

How do I save a project with the same file name?

1. Pick File/Save ( ).

2. If you havent saved the project before, then you will see the Save As dialog.

a) Use this dialog to navigate to the folder into which you want to save the project, enter the File name you want to use for the project and then click Save.

3. If you have saved the project before, then this option simply updates the saved file to take account of any changes.

Footnotes1. If you have never saved the project, then Connections will allow you to specify the folder and file name under

which it is to be saved. If you have saved the project previously (so that it has a folder and file name), then Connections will automatically save the project under the existing path and file name.

Connections Documentation page 12 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak ConnectionsHow do I save a project with a new file name?

1. Pick File/Save As You will see the Save As dialog which automatically shows the folder and file name under which the project is currently saved.

2. If necessary navigate to the folder into which you want to save the project and/or enter the new File name you want to use for the project and then click Save.

How do I edit the project details?

You set the initial project details as you create a new project. If you want to change these later, this is easily done. 1. Pick File/Project Details and you will see the Project Details dialog together with the

current information which is defined for this project.

2. Make any changes that are necessary, and then click OK to close the dialog.

Working with Connections


Related topics How do I add a new connection to a project? How do I add a new connection of the same type to a project? How do I modify the reference details for a connection? How do I modify the configuration of a connection? How do I copy a connection? How do I delete a connection? How do I edit the basic connection details? How do I perform the design? How do I view a designs results?

How do I add a new connection to a project?

1. Pick Connection/New Connection to see the New Connection dialog.

2. In this dialog choose the type of connection that you want to create, enter the Reference details of the connection and then click OK.


4. A new window will be added to your project showing your new connection, and a corresponding entry will be added to the Project Workspace.

Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connections Connections Documentation page 13How do I add a new connection of the same type to a project?Fastrak Connections assumes that the projects you create will contain more than one of any particular type of connection. Once you have created a new connection, you can create more connections of the same type instantly.

1. Pick Connection/New xxx1 Connection or click the icon for the connection type from the Connections toolbar.

Note The icon in the toolbar changes to show that relating to the type of connection you last created. These are detailed below.


3. A new window will be added to your project showing your new connection, and a corresponding entry will be added to the Project Workspace.

How do I modify the reference details for a connection?

1. There are two methods which you can use to change the connection reference: a. Ensure that a window relating to the connection whose reference you want to change

is active and then pick Connection/Reference ( ) b. Right click over the reference that you want to change in the Project Workspace and

then pick Reference from the context menu.

2. Enter the amended Reference details for the connection and click OK.

How do I modify the configuration of a connection?

1. There are two methods which you can use to change the connection configuration:

Footnotes1. Where xxx is the type of the connection you last created.

Icon Connection typeBeam-column moment connection

Beam-beam moment connection

Column base connection

Beam-column simple connection

Beam-beam simple connection

Connections Documentation page 14 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connectionsa. Ensure that a window relating to the connection whose reference you want to change is active and then pick Connection/Edit Connection You can also pick the appropriate icon from the toolbar.

Note The icon in the toolbar changes to show that relating to the current type of connection. These are detailed below.

b. Right click over the reference of the connection whose configuration you want to change in the Project Workspace and then pick Edit Connection from the context menu.

2. You will see the Connection Configuration dialog appropriate to this type of connection. Make the changes that you require and then click OK.

How do I copy a connection?

1. There are two methods which you can use to create a copy of an existing connection: a. Make sure that the connection you want to copy is the active one, and then click

Connection/Copy from the menu.b. Right click the column reference in the project workspace and then choose Copy from

the context menu.

How do I delete a connection?

1. There are two methods which you can use to delete a connection: a. Make sure that the connection you want to delete is the active one, and then click

Connection/Delete from the menu.b. Right click the column reference in the project workspace and then choose Delete

from the context menu.

Icon Connection typeBeam-column moment connection

Beam-beam moment connection

Column base connection

Beam-column simple connection

Beam-beam simple connection

Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connections Connections Documentation page 15How do I edit the basic connection details?

1. Right click the connection reference in the project workspace and then choose Edit Connection from the context menu.

2. Use the various pages of the Connection Properties sheet to change the connections details, then click OK to set them.

How do I perform the design?

1. Pick Connection/Check Connection ( ) and you will see the results immediately.

How do I view a designs results?

1. Pick Connection/Check Connection ( ).

2. If the design is current (that is nothing has changed since the last design), then you will see the results immediately.

3. If the design is not current then it will be performed while you wait (which in practice means that you will see the results immediately on most modern systems).

Working with Views

The topics relate to the ways in which you can control views of your connections in Connections.


Related topics How do I control the view in the connection Definition window?

How do I control the view in the connection Definition window?

Fastrak Connections provides a whole range of options which allow you to control the view in the Connection Definition window. You can use a range of standard views, or you can rotate the view to any orientation you require. You can also zoom and pan the view so that you can see just what you need. You can navigate through the most recent views you have defined quickly and easily.

To use a standard view

1. Simply use one of the methods below to choose the standard view that you want to see. a. Pick View/OptionsView Name (where View Name is the name of the standard view

you want to see).

Connections Documentation page 16 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connectionsb. Click the appropriate icon from the Connection Details View toolbar.

To rotate the view

If none of these standard views is appropriate, then you can rotate the connection to get to just the view you require.

1. Simply right-click and hold over the connection in the Connection Definition window, and move the mouse to perform the rotation.

2. Once you have achieved the view you require simply release the mouse button.

To zoom into an area

1. Pick View/OptionsZoom Area.

2. Move the mouse pointer over one corner of the area into which you want to zoom.

3. Click and hold the left mouse button and drag to the diametrically opposite corner of the same area.

4. Release the mouse button and the display will zoom to show this area.

To zoom on the display centre

1. Click and hold both mouse buttons.

2. Move the mouse pointer down to zoom in-to the centre of the display or up to zoom out-from it.

3. Alternatively if you have a mouse with a wheel you can rotate the wheel to zoom in or out on the centre of the display.

Icon View from:Front

Top

Left

Back

Bottom

Right

South-West

South-East

North-East

North-West

Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connections Connections Documentation page 17To pan the view?

1. Simply click and hold the middle mouse button or mouse wheel 1over the Connection Definition window, and move the mouse to pan the display.

2. Once you can see the part of the view that you require simply release the mouse button.

To navigate through views

1. Simply use the buttons of the View toolbar to navigate through the views you have defined in the Connection Definition window.

Note These buttons perform different functions in the Report window.

Working with Reports

Once you have defined your connections you can create a wide range of reports, many of which you can tailor extensively to meet your, or your customers, specific requirements.


Related topics How do I set up a page header or page footer? How do I set up a report page? How do I control the contents of a report? How do I view a report? How do I export a report to a pdf file? How do I export a report to Microsoft Word? How do I print a report? How do preview a report?

How do I set up a page header or page footer?The header and footer are tables which appear at the top and bottom respectively of every page of your report. You can define the number of rows and columns in the tables, the widths of the column, and you can also merge cells to increase the available size, for instance to accommodate your company logo.

Footnotes1. You must have a mouse with a middle button or wheel to use this option.

Icon ActionShow the first available view

Show the previous view

Show the next view

Show the last available view

Connections Documentation page 18 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak ConnectionsOnce your table layout is complete you can determine which information appears in each cell, and define the appropriate details.

1. Pick File/Report View SetupReport Define Header and you will see the Edit Header Layout dialog, or pick File/Report View Setup Report Define Footer and you will see the Edit Footer Layout dialog.

2. Once your settings are complete click OK to close the dialog.

How do I set the horizontal alignment of a cell?1. Right click the cell in the table.

Note The current alignment setting for the cell is shown below the table.

2. Pick Horizontal Alignment/Left, Horizontal Alignment/Right, or Horizontal Alignment/Centre from the context menu that appears.

3. The cell in the table shows the new alignment.

How do I set the vertical alignment of a cell?1. Right click the cell in the table.

Note The current alignment setting for the cell is shown below the table.

2. Pick Vertical Alignment/Top, Vertical Alignment/Bottom, or Vertical Alignment/ Centre from the context menu that appears.

3. The cell in the table shows the new alignment.

How do I join cells?1. Left click and hold over the top left most cell that you want to join.

2. Drag down and to the right and you will see a rectangle that follows the mouse pointer.

3. When the rectangle encompasses the cells that you want to join release the mouse button.

Note The lines between the cells are removed, however the cell field names are maintained. However when cells are joined it is only the information referred to by the top left hand most field that is displayed in the header.

How do I unjoin cells?1. You can rejoin cells in a different combination as detailed above.

2. Alternatively you can right click over the top left hand most field name in the group of joined cells and then pick Unjoin from the context menu that appears.

How do I add a row?1. Click Add a row to add a row to the bottom of your table.

How do I add a column?1. Click Add a column to add a column to the right of your table.

Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connections Connections Documentation page 19How do I delete a row?1. Right click over the row that you want to delete.

2. Pick Delete row from the context menu that appears.

How do I delete a column?1. Right click over the column that you want to delete.

2. Pick Delete column from the context menu that appears.

How do I set the column width?1. Click Columns and you will see the Column Widths dialog.

2. Pick the column whose width you want to set, and then define the appropriate details in the fields at the bottom of the dialog. The options are as follows:

Fixed The width of the column is fixed at the value you specify, the options are:

Percent The column takes up the specified percentage of the total page width.

mm The column is the specified number of millimetres wide. If you use this option, then you must ensure that the total column widths fit within the printable area of the page.

Residual The column takes up the remaining width not required by the other columns in the table. You can only define one column which has its Type set to Residual.

How do I determine which information shows in which cell?1. Click on the variable that you want to place in the cell from the list of Fields.

2. Click on the field to set the field to show that variables name.

Note When cells are joined it is only the information referred to by the top left hand most variable name that is displayed in the header.

How do I define the information for a variable?1. Click Edit fields to see the Edit Fields dialog.

2. Pick the field from the list of the Available Fields, and then define the appropriate data in the Field Settings part of the dialog.

How do I add a new variable or delete one that I previously added but no longer require?1. Click Add/Remove fields

2. To add a new field type in the field name that you want to use (this must be different from any existing field name), and then click Add.

3. To delete a field that you dont require pick the field from the list of Available Fields, and then click Remove.

Connections Documentation page 20 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak ConnectionsHow do I set up a report page?

1. Pick File/Report View SetupReport Print Options and you will see the Report Settings dialog.

2. Use the various pages of this dialog to set the fonts for the various paragraph styles used in the report, to set the margins you want to use and the options that you want to use for the tables within your report.

3. Once your settings are complete click OK to close the dialog.

How do I control the contents of a report?

1. Pick File/Report Contents ( ) and you will see the Report Content dialog. This allows you to control the content of your report for each connection in your project as detailed below.

Included If you check this item, then this connection will be included in the report. If you dont check this item, then the connection in its entirety will be excluded from the report irrespective of the other settings on the line.

Diagram Check this item to include a diagram of the connection in the report, uncheck it and the diagram will not be included.

Summary If you check this item, then the connection design status information will be included in the report. This simply tells you which is the critical combination for the design (that with the worst utilisation ratio for any check.

Basic Details This option allows you to control the reporting of the basic connection details. These include (among other things) the details of the section size(s), cleat details, end-plate details These obviously depend on the type of connection.

Report Level This setting allows you to control the amount of information that you wish to include in your report on the design for the connection. These range from None to Full, and progressively include more information about the design.

2. Once you have made your settings click OK to create and see the report.

How do I view a report?

1. Once you have defined the content of the report it will be automatically created for you. If you have closed the report window, and you want to view the report again, then pick File/Report Connection Items ( ) and the report will be generated and shown on your screen. You can tailor the way in which the report is shown to achieve a result which enables you to best view the details you require.

2. Once you can see the report you can choose to export it to TEDDS, export it to Microsoft Word, or print it to produce a hard copy.

Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak Connections Connections Documentation page 21To navigate through a report

1. You can navigate through the report by using the buttons of the View toolbar.

Note These buttons perform different functions in the connection Definition window.

How do I export a report to Microsoft Word?

1. Set up your report so that it contains the information you require.

2. Pick File/Export report to Word ( ). Word will open and you will see a dialog which allows you to control the formatting of the report. Make the settings that you require, and then click OK.

Note At this point, if your report runs to many pages, you may see the message Because there is a large amount of input data, the document must be saved periodically during the import process. If you do not wish to save the document select Cancel. If you click OK, then you should immediately see the Word Save As dialog so that you can specify the name under which the file will be saved. Sometimes you will not see this dialog, and after a short delay you will see a Server Busy dialog instead! Dont panic, this just means that Word is waiting for you to give the file name, its just that you cant see the Save As dialog as it is hidden by another window. Simply click Switch to to bring Word to the front of all other windows, you will then be able to see the Save As dialog. Now enter the file name and click OK to continue with the export process. This is a known issue with Word.

3. After a delay while the export process completes you will see the report in Word.

How do I export a report to a pdf file?


2. Pick File/Export report to PDF. The report will be created immediately, and you will see a dialog asking if you want to view the file.

3. If you do click Yes.

Icon ActionShow the first page of the report

Show the previous page of the report

Show the next page of the report

Show the last page of the report

Connections Documentation page 22 Chapter 1 : Working With Fastrak ConnectionsHow do I print a report?


2. Pick File/Print ( ). You will see your systems normal Print dialog.

3. Make the settings you require and then click OK.

How do preview a report?

1. Pick File/Print Preview and you will see a preview of your report.

How do I control the printer used to create a report?

1. Pick File/Print Setup you will see your systems normal Print Setup dialog.

2. Make the settings you require and then click OK.

Exporting information from Fastrak Connections

The topics below relate to exporting information from Fastrak Connections.


Related topics How do I return information to the Building Designer?

How do I return information to the Building Designer?

This option is only available when you have defined a connection in Building Designer, and transferred it from there into Fastrak Connections in order to work on it.

1. Manipulate the design in Fastrak Connections until you have achieved a result with which you are satisfied.

2. Pick Connection/Return Connection to Building Designer to return the connections details back to that application.

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Connections Documentation page 24

Chapter 2 : Introduction Connections Documentation page 25EC3 Connections Design Handbook

Chapter 2 Introduction

This Engineers Handbook describes your EC3 Fastrak Connections application. This connection design software allows you to design simple, column splice, hollow section and column base connections.

Simple Connections transfer vertical shear only,

Moment Connections moment connection design to EC3 is not supported in the current release.

Column Splices continuity splices in simple construction,

Hollow Section Connections 1 welded hollow section connections of certain configurations including connections with I or H section chords. principally for use in truss work,

Column Bases only simple column bases are supported in the current release.

Unless otherwise stated all calculations are in accordance with the relevant sections of BS EN 1993-1-8:2005 with the exception of those connection configurations that are not covered by this publication. You may find the references quoted later in this document a useful source of information.

The following advice is written principally from the point of view of operating connection design from within Building Designer. Where necessary any important factors with regard to the operation of the stand alone application are noted.

Footnotes1. For the current release there is no integration between the hollow section connections and the Building

Designer model.

Connections Documentation page 26 Chapter 3 : Connection Modelling in Building DesignerChapter 3 Connection Modelling in Building Designer

Introduction

The definition and check of connections is an intrinsic part of Fastrak Building Designer all data associated with a particular connection is held within the building model. All connections can be opened within Building Designer where they can be modified and refined before saving the data back to the model. Alternatively one or many connections can be passed out to Fastrak Connections where, again, they can be modified and refined and then passed back to Building Designer. Note that certain details (for example the section sizes of the connecting members) cannot be modified since this would affect other parts of the building model. As a further alternative Fastrak Connections can be run as a stand-alone application and the connection data entered in isolation.

Data Sources

Whilst all connection data is held in the building model, the source of such data is several fold. This includes:

attributescertain data can be set to be used during the definition of the connections e.g. beam to beam simple connections are to be fin plates,

derived datathe building model already holds such items as the section size and grade of the members that are that are to be connected and the design forces,

default datawhen the connections within the building model are set up by Fastrak, intelligent defaults are used that can establish a part or full solution to the connection configuration,

added dataany individual connection can be edited to improve or add to the connection configuration e.g. stiffeners can be added to moment connections.

Connection Types

Simple ConnectionBuilding Designer will attempt to configure a simple connection at the end of any Simple Beam, Composite Beam or General Beam that is pinned. The word attempt is used since there are some configurations of member and connection that are beyond the scope of the current release, for example, if the supporting beam is not an I-section or the supported beam frames in at a steep angle.

Chapter 3 : Connection Modelling in Building Designer Connections Documentation page 27Simple connections can be end plates, fin plates and (double) angle cleats. During definition of your building model a set of Connections Attributes can be established such that by preference, for example, beam to column web connections are end plates and are designed for the minimum tie force requirement of 75 kN. The defaults for these attributes are:

beam to beam - fin plate with one line of bolts, beam to column flange - end plate, beam to column web - end plate, beam to hollow section column -fin plate.1

When a particular type of connection is established by Building Designer in the model, for example, a fin plate for beam to beam connections, the default settings for bolt size and number, fin plate thickness and so on, are such that the subsequent check of this connection should under normal circumstances give a Pass. This happens because simple connections are more about detailing than design, that is a well detailed simple connection will usually be adequate in design. This has been underpinned in Building Designer by careful selection of the defaults to ensure that the Recommended Details and standard connections contained in the Green Book on simple connections (SCI P358)(Ref. 2) are followed.

This all means that as a designer, once you have selected the type of connecting element for a particular situation, for example a fin plate for beam to beam connections, Building Designer will provide robust and well detailed simple connections for the majority of the building. It is likely then that only a few connections will not be adequate. These can be displayed to you on the main building graphic and you can then interactively adjust the connection type or configuration to establish an adequate detail. Examples of connections where you need to make such changes might be:

a heavily loaded beam that might require two lines of bolts, or a shallow beam where the default bolt pitch has to be decreased in order to increase the

number of bolts.

Moment ConnectionBuilding Designer will attempt to configure a moment connection at the end of any General Beam that has a Moment Connection or is Fully Fixed at the appropriate end. The word attempt is used since there are some configurations of member and connection that are beyond the scope of the current release e.g. if the supporting column is not an I or H-section or the supported beam frames into another beam.

Note It is not possible to design moment connections to EC3 in this release

Moment connections can be established at beam to I- and H-section column flanges, and at beam to beam on end e.g. apex type connections. All are formed using bolted end plates in the current release. Beam to column moment connections can be single- or double-sided.

There are no Connections Attributes associated with moment connections in Building Designer. Hence, during definition of your building model only the essential data and a number of basic defaults are set up for each moment connection. Essential data includes

Footnotes1. In the current release end plates and angle cleats are prohibited from use with hollow sections.

Connections Documentation page 28 Chapter 3 : Connection Modelling in Building Designersection size of the members joined and their design forces. Basic defaults include such items as one pair of M20 class 8.8 bolts top and bottom of the connection with 20 mm thick end plates. It is necessary therefore for you to 'open' each individual connection and enter such data as,

additional tension and shear bolts, extensions to the end plate, stiffeners, haunches.

Obviously at the same time you can also adjust the default values e.g. change from 20 mm thick end plate to 25 mm thick.

Column SpliceBuilding Designer will attempt to configure a column splice at the end of any Simple Column where a splice position has been specified in the Floors tab of the Column Properties dialog. The word attempt is used since there are some configurations of member and connection that are beyond the scope of the current release, for example, if the column section is not an I-section or if the column is specified as a General Column.

There are two types of column splice: bearing splice - load is transferred in bearing directly or through a division plate, non-bearing splice - load is transferred through the bolts and splice plates.

Bearing splices being simpler are generally preferred, particularly for heavily loaded connections. In Building Designer this type is therefore the default.

As with simple connections, default settings for bolt size and number, plate thickness and so on, are chosen such that the subsequent check of this connection should under normal circumstances give a Pass.

Hollow Section ConnectionBuilding Designer will not configure any hollow section connections in the current release. Hollow section connections can therefore only be checked when running Fastrak Connections as a stand-alone application.

Column BaseBuilding Designer will attempt to configure a column base at the lower end of any Simple Column or General Column at any level where a support has been defined in the model.

Generating Connections

Once the building model has been designed, you can click on the Update Connections icon. This will create and load all the connections in the model and display them in the Connections-3D window.

Chapter 3 : Connection Modelling in Building Designer Connections Documentation page 29Editing Connections

You may prefer to adjust the connections inside Building Designer or you can send one or more connections to the stand-alone application. In either case the data you have added or modified is saved in Building Designer. You can see whether your connection configuration looks sensible by right clicking on the connection in the Connections window - this displays a 3D graphic of the connection in its own window. You can adjust each of the connections individually and design them as you proceed or once you are content with the layout of all of them you can click the Check Connections icon. You can use the Show/Alter State icon to view which have passed and which have not.

Viewing Results and Creating Output

Results of your connection design can be viewed on the screen. The input, diagrams, and design results can be incorporated into a report by sending the connection or selection of connections out to Fastrak Connections. From there you can control exactly what you wish to see in the report.

Connection components for example bolts, welds, stiffeners are not listed in the Material Listing report.

Connections Documentation page 30 Chapter 4 : Simple ConnectionsChapter 4 Simple Connections

ScopeSimple connections are by definition pinned connections and transfer vertical shear only.

The design procedures for simple connections designed to EC3 are based on those in SCI Publication P358.(Ref. 2)

Connection TypesFor design to EC3, simple connections can be one of three types fin plate, flexible end plate andflush end plate. These are termed connecting elements. In the case of fin plates a double line of bolts can be specified. Any of these connecting elements can be provided for beam to beam, beam to column flange and beam to column web connections provided that both the supported beam and the supporting column or beam is an I- or H-section. In the current release, only fin plates can be used to connect to hollow section columns.

Steel GradesSupporting and supported members and their connecting elements are limited to S275 and S355 grade steels there are a number of semi-empirical rules in the design models that preclude the use of S460 grade steels.

NotchesFor beam to beam connections a notch length can be defined that suits the width of the supporting beam flange this must be the same on both sides of the supporting beam. For each side a notch depth at the top and bottom of the supported beam can be defined these can be different top and bottom and, different on each side. For convenience standard notch lengths and depths are defaulted and via the Set Standard Notches button you can recover these if you have changed something but wish to get back to the standard values1. Notch details also appear on beam to column connections but changing the default values from zero has no effect.

To avoid notching in beam to beam connections a fin plate can be selected to ensure that the supported beam and the fin plate are joined outside of the flanges of the supporting beam. This will usually create a long fin plate for which certain additional checks are required and are carried out by Fastrak Connections.

Connecting Element GeometryConnecting elements can be of different types on each face of the supporting beam or column although those either side of a beam or column web have some design restrictions see Design Checks. Beams can frame in at different levels or can be aligned (in beam-to-beam connections) with the top flange, bottom flange or centre line of the co-joined members. Footnotes1. Note that in the stand-alone application if you change the notch details and subsequently change the details

of the connection, for example the section size, the default notch length and depth are reinstated.

Chapter 4 : Simple Connections Connections Documentation page 31BoltsA wide range of bolt classes and sizes can be defined and, by default, their layout (end and edge distance, pitch and gauge) meet the recommended detailing practice given in SCI P358 (Check 1). The number of bolts is defaulted to meet the standard connections contained therein. Similarly, weld sizes for use with fin plates and end plates are the standard values. For angle cleats the default bolt layout is the same in both legs but you can select different layouts in each leg if required. You are able to adjust all these defaults but you are advised to do so with care.

Design ForcesThe design forces for simple connections are shear in the plane of the web of the supported beam and where appropriate tie forces. A set of these can exist for each design combination and these are established from the analysis of the building model as a whole (or entered independently in the stand alone application). You can edit the design forces, delete and add load combinations and these changes will be reflected in the design of the connection immediately following the changes. However, all these changes will be lost if you subsequently use the Update Connections function in Building Designer.

Tie forces Tie forces must be considered in the design. For details of how these forces are calculated refer to the later section Accidental Limit state

Limitations and Assumptions

General LimitationsThe following limitations apply:

a double line of bolts in end plates is excluded, in a beam to column web connection where the supported beam flange is wider that the

internal dimension between the flanges of the supporting column, in practice a flange strip would normally be called for. Such flange strips are not included in the current release and so you must judge whether they might influence the results from Fastrak,

similarly where the bottom flange of a beam on one side of a connection might interfere with the bolts on the other (deeper) side of a connection a snipe or flange strip is often used in practice. Such snipes and flange strips are not included in the current release and so you must judge whether they might influence the results from Fastrak,

channel section and hollow section beams are excluded, plated section beams, Westok beams and Fabsec beams are excluded, sections with unequal flanges are excluded. This covers not only plated section beams that

have unequal flanges but also Slimflor beams and asymmetric Slimflor beams, connections to concrete filled hollow section columns are excluded, where more than one beam connects to the face of the supporting member, Building

Designer cannot form the connection.

Connections Documentation page 32 Chapter 4 : Simple ConnectionsWhere a component is excluded, for example channel section beams, Building Designer will not create a connection to that beam. In addition, where a connection would otherwise be created on one face of the supporting member but on another side a connection cannot be created then no connection at all will be created. For example, no connection will be created in the case where a channel section edge beam connects to a column on one face and an I-section connects to another face.

General AssumptionsEssentially the assumptions in Fastrak Connections are those inherent in the design models for simple connections given in the SCI P358(Ref. 2). However, a number of specific assumptions are made as given below.

Internal forces in the supporting member from the applied loading that it carries are assumed not to influence the connection design. For example, the axial force in a column from floors above is assumed not to affect significantly the performance or behaviour of the connection.

Similarly, where simple connections and moment connections are connected to the same column it is assumed that the forces imparted by the one do not influence the other. A typical example might be moment connections to the column flanges with simple connections to the column web. Not only are the designs independent but also the detailing. Hence. in this example any stiffening required by the moment connections are assumed not to interfere with the simple connections framing into the web.

Any shear force out-of-plane of the beam web (minor axis shear force) is assumed not to influence the connection design. Similarly any axial force in the supported beam (other than due to tying action for structural integrity) is assumed not to be significant. In the Design Options off the Design menu in Building Designer, you can specify limits for these forces below which you believe the design will be unaffected. If Building Designer detects forces greater than these limits, the design will still proceed but the connection will be given a Warning status and the value of these forces will be given in the results. The default values for these limits are:

minor axis shear 0.5 kN, axial force 1.0 kN, major axis moment 1.0 kNm minor axis moment 0.1 kNm.

The two moment limits are included even though simple connections are modelled in the analysis as pins. This is because the analysis model is a mathematical model and as such during the back substitution process very small moments that are effectively zero from an engineering point of view may exist mathematically.

Where connected beams are not orthogonal to the supporting member, Building Designer takes the following approach (see also Global analysis),

where all angles are less than a given lower limit, then the angles are ignored and the design proceeds as if the members do connect orthogonally,

where any angle is greater than a given upper limit, then Building Designer creates the connection but the design is not performed and the connection is given a Beyond Scope status,

Chapter 4 : Simple Connections Connections Documentation page 33 where one angle lies between the upper and lower limit, then the angle is ignored, the design proceeds as if the members do connect orthogonally and the connection is given a Warning status,

where more than one angle lies between the upper and lower limit, then Building Designer creates the connection but the design is not performed and the connection is given a Beyond Scope status.

In all cases the angle can be viewed either in the design results (on the Notes page) or by editing the connection. The upper and lower limits are,

lower limit for slope, skew and rotation 0.5, upper limit for slope and skew 10, and for rotation 5.

The definitions of slope, skew and rotation are depicted in the figure below.

For beam to beam connections in Building Designer, the top flanges of the supported and supporting beam are assumed to align. However, within the building model beams can be given an alignment relative to its cardinal points the default is at the centre of the top flange. Any changes that you make to the cardinal points are not reflected in the simple connection design. For example if you set the cardinal point of a supported beam to the centroid of the section and connect this to a supporting beam with the cardinal point set as the centre of the bottom flange, the simple connection design will assume, still, that the top flanges align.

Similarly, in beam to column connections the centre lines of beams and the column are assumed to node. However, within the building model both the column and the beams can be set off-grid. Any changes you make that set beams or columns off-grid will not be reflected in the simple connection design. For example, you might offset the beams on the edge of the building towards the outer face of the column to suit cladding details. Nevertheless, the simple connection design will assume, still, that the beams and the column node on the centre lines.

There are likely to be a number of positions in the building where braces connect to columns at the same position as a simple connection joining beams to the same column. The brace force is assumed to be transferred directly to the column and hence in the model has no influence on the force distribution in the connections. Similarly, the detailing of the brace end connection is assumed not to affect the configuration of the simple connections at the end of the co-joined beams.

Slope Skew Rotation

Connections Documentation page 34 Chapter 4 : Simple ConnectionsAdditional Assumptions and Limitations for End Plate and Fin Plate Connections

SCI P358 Weld Checks 2 and 13 for End Plate ConnectionsIn the Fastrak model, we now include the 0.8 factor for the design of the web weld minimum effective throat thickness, amin

Appendix C.2 of P358 explains why it has been adopted even though the factor was removed from the published guide.

We allow connections to be designed for EC3 and EC3 Irish NA, as well as EC3 UK NA. The user might consider it prudent to size the welds accordingly if the 0.8 factor is deemed inappropriate.

Note The 0.8 factor does not apply to weld size design for fin plates since bending is significant. See appendix C3 of SCI P358.

Additional Limitations for End Plates and Fin PlatesThe following additional limitations apply to the checks given in P358:

Check 4 - a Note is included on page 111 to qualify the notched beam. We check at the end of notch and also at a vertical plane that aligns with the 2nd bolt line. However, the user should satisfy for themselves that for extreme geometry the 1st bolt line is not critical.

Check 7 - Overall stability of an unrestrained notched supported beam.This check is not performed as the program has no knowledge of beam span characteristics. The user should satisfy this check manually.

Design ChecksThe design checks for simple connections are given in the SCI P358(Ref. 2). To assist you, the results displayed in Fastrak are given the title of each check in P358, for example: Check 5 Supported beam capacity at notch. The design models in P358 are primarily based on standard connections meeting orthogonally with, in the case of beam to beam connections, top of steel aligned. For such connections the design models are clearly laid out in P358 and so no additional explanation is given here.

However, Fastrak Connections covers a somewhat broader spectrum and so additional points of note are given below.

For all connections there are Recommended Detailing Requirements in SCI P358. These are recognized as good practice and you should comply with these whenever possible. If you select an item or value that is beyond these standards, you will find that the particular entry appears orange to give you a visual warning that you are stepping outside of good practice.1

There are strict limitations on the use of fin plates both in SCI P358 in Fastrak Connections. These relate to edge and end distance, bolt size and class, fin plate or web thickness, minimum projection and maximum lever arm between topmost and lower-most bolts in the fin plate. These restrictions are necessary to ensure ductile behaviour and adequate rotation capacity of

Footnotes1. If the item or value is not acceptable or not feasible to achieve e.g. the edge distance for the bolts is less than

the minimum requirement then the text or value appears red and you cannot exit the dialog.

Chapter 4 : Simple Connections Connections Documentation page 35the connection. Both these properties are essential for a simple connection to act as a pin. Fastrak Connections allows you to contravene these when specifying the connection but will fail the connection in design.

Supported and supporting members do not always meet orthogonally the assumption in Fastrak Connections is that they do. For very small angles, these are likely to be less than the normal tolerance on layout and out-of-plumb and so can safely be ignored. For slightly larger angles, the affect on the design is likely to be only nominal and so, in most cases, might be ignored. For significant angles, assuming that nevertheless they are still orthogonal may not be sufficiently accurate and hence may be unconservative. More information on the treatment of non-orthogonal connections is given in Limitations and Assumptions.

Supported and supporting beams in beam to beam connection do not always align with their top flanges and across a column web beams may be at different levels. Fastrak covers such situations in one of two ways.

Where the configuration of the connection either side of a web is not achievable in practice then you are allowed to accept the data and leave the dialog but no design is possible until the discrepancy has been corrected (the offending detail will also appear red on the connection graphic). An example would be where two end plates connect either side of a column web and the bolt gauge is different each side.

Where the configuration is achievable, Fastrak will carry out the design calculations. However as mentioned earlier, since the design models in the SCI P358 are based on alignment of supported beams, these calculations are extrapolations of the norm. You should therefore treat the design results of such connections with care.

Supported beams either side of a beam or column web do not have to be the same type. However, for fin plate to one side and end plate the other side, there is no rigorous design model for the connection as a whole. Hence, the supporting beam web is checked for each side of the connection independently. No account is taken of any interaction between the two different connection methods on the web resistance. Fastrak reports the relevant check twice once for each connection type (SCI P358:Check 10).

The standard end plate connections in SCI P358 are 8 mm and 10 mm thick and are welded to the web only. Full depth end plates up to 12 mm thick with a full profile weld can be treated as simple connections see SCI P358: Check 1. You can select thicker end plates and this will result in a Warning status for the connection. In all cases the design model and Fastrak do not take account in design of any weld to the beam flange.

Where a supported beam is unrestrained and is notched, this can have a significant influence on the effective length of the beam for lateral torsional buckling. This is one situation where there is a direct impact of the connection configuration on the design of the beam. This is covered by SCI P358: Check 7. In Fastrak you can specify that the beam is unrestrained. However, in the current release the calculations for this check are not implemented. Consequently, this check is always reported with a Warning status if you specify that the beam is unrestrained. You are expected to carry out your own hand calculations. If you have responsibility for the connection design but not for the member design then it is important to ensure that the designer responsible for the beam design is informed of the impact of the connection configuration on his beam design.

Connections Documentation page 36 Chapter 4 : Simple ConnectionsIn the stand alone application, on the Beam Details property page there is an opportunity to enter the Length (span) of the supported beam. In the building model this value is set to zero and cannot be changed. Any value specified is used only to determine whether in the case of fin plates attached to beams deeper than 610 mm that the span/depth ratio is less than 20. This is a requirement to ensure adequate rotation capacity in fin plates attached to deep beams see SCI P358: Check 1 for fin plates. If the span/depth ratio is greater than 20 the connection will be failed in the design.

Chapter 5 : Column Splices Connections Documentation page 37Chapter 5 Column Splices

Practical ApplicationsContinuity splices in simple construction are designed to transfer axial and shear forces from the upper column to the lower column via bolted splice cover plates. Only nominal moments are catered for in the design rules. The design procedures are based on those in the SCI Publication P358.(Ref. 2)

There are two types of column splice: bearing splice - load is transferred in bearing directly or through a division plate, non-bearing splice - load is transferred through the bolts and splice plates.

A wide range of bolt grades and sizes can be defined and, by default, their layout (end and edge distance, pitch and gauge) meet the SCIs recommended detailing practice guidelines for column splices designed to EC3 (Check 1).(Ref. 2)

The design forces for column splices are axial force, shear and nominal moment in the plane of the web of the column and where appropriate tie forces. A set of these can exist for each design combination and these are established from the analysis of the building model as a whole (or entered independently in the stand alone application). You can edit the design forces, delete and add load combinations and these changes will be reflected in the design of the connection immediately following the changes. However, all these changes will be lost if you subsequently use the Update Connections function in Building Designer.

Tie forces must be considered in the design. For details of how these forces are calculated refer to the later chapter Accidental Limit State.

Scope

Design Code OptionsColumn Splices can be designed to the following EC3 codes versions:

EC3 EC3 UK NA EC3 Irish NA

Steel GradesSections and their connecting elements are limited to S275 and S355 grade steels.

BoltsThe following bolt classes are available:

Class 4.6, 8.8 and 10.9 pre-loaded bolts class 8.8 and 10.9 to BS EN 14399-3

Connections Documentation page 38 Chapter 5 : Column SplicesSteel SectionsThe following sections are available:

UKB, UKC, UB, UC, RSJ, IPE, HE, HD, IPN

Connection configurationsThe following configurations are covered:

Flange connections Type 1: Bearing, using 2 external flange cover plates Type 2: Bearing, using 4 internal flange cover plates Type 3: Bearing, using 2 external cover plates with a division plate. Type 4: Non-bearing, using 2 external flange cover plates Type 5: Non-bearing, using 4 internal flange cover plates Type 6: Non-bearing, using 2 external and 4 internal flange cover plates

Web connection 2 web plates, except when division plate 4 web cleats when division plate used (type 3)

Limitations and Assumptions

Limitations

Historically, splices were positioned just above floor level (so as to avoid the beam - column connections). Typically at 500mm above floor level, they could be assumed in simple multi-storey construction not to be moment resisting. However, as a consequence of CDM regulations, splices are now more often positioned at around 1.2m above floor level, (to allow for ballustrading to be fixed around the floor perimeter at construction stage and also to facilitate the fixing of the splice itself). When positioned in this way, the splice is more likely to be located where significant p-delta buckling moments arise within the column. The assumption that the splice is not moment resisting may therefore no-longer be valid. This is beyond the scope of the Fastrak Connections application.

The following limitations also apply:

moment splices are excluded channel section and hollow section columns are excluded, plated section columns are excluded, sections with unequal flanges are excluded, a double line of bolts in flange plates are excluded.

Where a component is excluded, for example hollow section columns, Building Designer will not create a connection to that column.

Chapter 5 : Column Splices Connections Documentation page 39AssumptionsThe assumptions in EC3 Fastrak Connections are those inherent in the SCIs EC3 design models for column splices(Ref. 2). However, a number of specific assumptions are made as given below.

Internal forces in the supporting member from the applied loading that it carries are assumed not to influence the connection design.

Similarly, where simple connections or moment connections are connected to the column it is assumed that the forces imparted do not influence the column splice connection.

Any major or minor axis moment (other than nominal) is assumed not to influence the connection design. In the Design Options off the Design menu in Building Designer, you can specify limits for these forces below which you believe the design will be unaffected. If Building Designer detects forces greater than these limits, the design will still proceed but the connection will be given a Warning status and the value of these forces will be given in the results. The default values for these limits are:

major axis moment 2.5 kNm minor axis moment 1.0 kNm.

Connections Documentation page 40 Chapter 6 : Hollow Section ConnectionsChapter 6 Hollow Section Connections

Practical ApplicationsYou can use EC3 Fastrak Connections to check a welded connection made up of known hollow section sizes to determine whether it is able to carry the specified loading. Certain configurations including connections with I or H section chords are also permitted.

Hollow section connections are most typically used in tubular trusses. Despite the fact that the internals are fully welded to the chords, this type of connection behaves as if it were pinned at the final stage of loading i.e. at Ultimate Limit State. This is due to the relatively thin walls of the hollow sections and the large deformations that such connections can sustain. They can, of course, also be designed to resist significant moments so that Vierendeel action can be generated.

If the truss is designed first, then due to the efficient way in which hollow sections carry the applied forces (mainly axial), relatively small, very thin walled sections can be found to be adequate. Later, it may be found difficult to justify the connections between such minimum weight members and stiffening may be required. Since most of the work and hence cost is in the preparation and welding of the member ends then attempting to minimise the section size is counter productive. When using the software it is best to be prepared for some iteration in the analysis/design process i.e. guess the member sizes for the truss analysis, being generous on the sizes selected, check the connections, update the analysis/design model and check the member sizes.

Checking a Hollow Section ConnectionIn the typical procedure below items in brackets [ ] are optional.

1. Launch Fastrak Connections

2. Create a new project giving the project name [and other project details]

3. Select Hollow Section Connection from the New Connection dialog

4. Use the Configuration page of the Welded hollow section dialog to select the Welded connection type from the pull down menu {note that when a K or KT connection is selected there is an option to define either the gap between the braces or the eccentricity of the connection - check the Gap govern input box to define the gap gi, or leave blank to define the eccentricity ei}.

5. Use the Sections page of the Welded hollow section dialog to select the section sizes and grades together with other parameters appropriate to the connection type selected. {See the Scope Chapter for a description of error messages and limitations}

6. Use the Combinations page of the Welded hollow section dialog to specify the loadings for which the connection is to be checked. The load values are to be entered as factored loads and each load combination should form consistent load sets i.e. be contemporaneous loads.

Chapter 6 : Hollow Section Connections Connections Documentation page 417. When all the required input data has been entered and all errors resolved, the typeface of the page tabs will change to normal colour and the OK button will become active. Click this button to proceed with the connection check.

As you are defining the data for your connection Fastrak Connections checks to ensure that the data is valid. If a particular value is not valid, then it will be shown using a colour of your choice in the dialog. If you allow the cursor to rest over the error you will see a tip telling you the acceptable range of input using the format:

Value must lie in interval {units}. For example an angle range of 30o to 90o would be displayed as "Value must lie in interval ". Until all the information within the dialog is valid you will not be able to save the dialog since OK will be dimmed.

Although checking in this way prevents you from defining an invalid connection, there are many of the specified validity checks that cannot be trapped in this way and in these cases, when you check the results you will see a failure message in the Range of Validity tab in the results viewer. Each failure message is self explanatory. You should take careful note of the failure and change the connection parameters to correct the problem.

If there are other problems with the connection, then you will see a warning message in the results viewer. You should take note of any such warnings and take the action that you deem appropriate.

ScopeEC3 Fastrak Connections will determine whether a hollow section connection is able to carry the specified forces and moments.

Connections Documentation page 42 Chapter 6 : Hollow Section ConnectionsThe software does not design or check the design of welds between the component members of the connection. In this context, reference should be made to the provisions of BS EN 1993-1-8:2005(Ref. 4) Section 7.3 Welds.

Design Code OptionsHollow section connections can be designed to the following EC3 codes versions:


Connection configurationsThe following configurations are covered in the current release of the application:

Hollow Section Chords Y connection {a T connection is checked as a Y connection with the angle between the

brace and the chord set to 90o} X connection K connection KT connection

I or H Section chords Y connection {a T connection is checked as a Y connection with the angle between the

brace and the chord set to 90o} X connection K connection

Steel sectionsHollow section connections can be formed from an international range of steel sections for many different countries.

Theory and Assumptions

The definitive guides for the design of welded hollow section connections are those published by CIDECT and CORUS (Ref. 5) (Ref. 8) (Ref. 9) with further CORUS publications (Ref. 6) (Ref. 7) adding to the guidance available.

The publication of BS EN 1993-1-8:2005 (Ref. 4) means that, for the first time, guidance for the design of welded hollow section connections is incorporated into a British Standard.

Design

The methods employed to check the design of welded hollow connections are consistent with BS EN 1993-1-8:2005 with the following exceptions:

Chapter 6 : Hollow Section Connections Connections Documentation page 431 KT connections use the methodology outlined in the CORUS publication Design of SHS welded Joints: Supplement No.2 (Ref. 6)

2 K connections in which the loads in the brace members act in the same sense {both compression or both tension} use the methodology outlined in the CORUS publication Design of SHS Welded Joints: Supplement No.3 (Ref. 7)

Connections Documentation page 44 Chapter 7 : Column BasesChapter 7 Column Bases

Practical Applications

In the current release of EC3 Fastrak Connections column base connections can be simple bases only, following design procedures based on SCI P358.(Ref. 2)

EC3 Fastrak Connections will check the base plate size and thickness, the shear resistance of the base, the size of the foundation bolts, and the size and type of any welds that are required.

Graphics are used to display the base plate in its current state. You can therefore graphically see the base that you are defining and the results that the design process has achieved. This allows you to see the effects of any modifications that you make, instantly on the screen.

Note Simple Bases and Moment Bases adopt quite different design models. You will find that a Moment Base with a very small moment will not result in the same design as a Simple Base (zero moment) carrying the same axial load. You should therefore judge whether the moment is negligible for each such design. If it is you can design a Simple Base, otherwise a Moment Base design will be appropriate.

Chapter 7 : Column Bases Connections Documentation page 45ScopeFor the first release the scope is as follows:

Design Code OptionsSimple column bases can be designed to the following EC3 codes versions:


Base Plate Steel Grades:Base plates are limited to S275 and S355 grade steels.

Design MethodBase plate design uses the 'Effective area' method for axial compression loads with horizontal shear, but no moments. i.e. pinned base design without uplift.

Column PositionThe column can be eccentric on the base plate, but along the minor axis only.

Base Plate PositionThe base plate can be eccentric on the concrete base along both the minor and along major axes.

Concrete Foundation DesignConcrete foundation design is excluded in the first release.

Connections Documentation page 46 Chapter 7 : Column BasesTheory and Assumptions

Design methodThe 'Effective area' method is used for design. The principle steps in this method are as follows:

Calculate the design bearing strength, fjd Calculate the stiff cantilever projection dimension 'c' Calculate the effective area, Aeff Calculate the area required, Areqd Compare Aeff and Areqd - Aeff must be greater than Areqd to 'pass'

Clarification of the design bearing strength calculationThe design bearing strength, fjd between the underside of the base plate and the bedding material in the grout space is given by:

fjd = Bj * * fcdwhere;

Bj = foundation joint material coefficient = (2/3)

= geometric enhancement parameterfcd = design value concrete compressive strength

Note that if the concrete base size is unknown there is a design rule which simplifies to = 1.5. In order for this design rule to be valid the following conditions should be satisfied:

eh 0.25*hpeb 0.25*bpdf max [bf*hf/(bf + hf), 3*bp*hp/(bp + hp)]

where; eh = minimum lengthwise projection from edge of base plate to edge of concrete

eb = minimum widthwise projection from edge of base plate to edge of concrete

hf = length of concrete base

bf = width of concrete base

df = depth of concrete base

hp = length of base plate

bp = width of base plate

Chapter 8 : Analysis Connections Documentation page 47Chapter 8 Analysis

Global analysisConnection forces are established from a global analysis of the building as a whole. All the connection types included in Fastrak have a limited set of design forces for which the connection can be designed, for example simple connections are designed for the appropriate beam end reaction (see the simple connections Scope). Non-design forces are identified and, where their value is greater than a given limit, they are displayed to you in the results along with a Warning status. The given limits are defined on the Force Limits Connections page of the Design Options dialog available from the Design menu.

The forces from the global analysis are treated in the following manner for the different connection types,

simple connections are designed for the shear in the plane of the beam web perpendicular to the centre line of the beam. For sloped connections this force is not resolved into the plane of the supporting member. For rotated connections the connecting element is assumed to be rotated by an equal amount and so no resolution of forces is necessary (although any out-of plane shear is ignored).

moment connections are designed for the in-plane moments and forces, that is major axis moment, shear in the plane of the beam web and axial force. Design forces for sloped connections are resolved into the plane of the supporting column. For skew and rotated beams there is no resolution of moments and forces into the plane of the supporting column.

column bases are designed for the axial force at the base of the column, the shear in the plane of the column web and where appropriate the moment at the base of the column. Bases are assumed to be orientated to the columns major and minor axes and hence there is no requirement to resolve the force when the column is rotated. Columns can only be sloped in the pane of the web and the bottom stack axial force and shear are resolved into vertical and horizontal forces in the base.

Where the global analysis includes second-order (P-Delta) effects the Ultimate Limit State design forces will include these effects also. However, for column bases the design forces for soil bearing pressure calculations are taken from an elastic global analysis of the unfactored loadcases without second-order effects.

Connection analysisThe analysis of the connection itself is normally carried out by determining a rational set of load paths through the components of the connection. This is inherent in the design models adopted. The design models are based closely on those given in the series of Green Books with extrapolation and addition where necessary to facilitate analysis/design of a wider range of connections.

Connections Documentation page 48 Chapter 9 : Additional Design ConsiderationsChapter 9 Additional Design Considerations

Accidental Limit state

Structural IntegrityThe necessity for tying is a matter of regulation and requirements are included in BS 5950-1: 2000.

The April 2007 amendment to BS 5950 includes an adjustment to the tie force that is dependent on the number of storeys in the structure. Since the number of storeys in a building can vary and some levels in a building are not floors e.g. mezzanine. Fastrak will establish the number of storeys from the number of levels set to be Included on the Levels dialogue of the Building menu. Note that the uppermost level will be included irrespective of the setting of the Included check box.

Currently only simple connections and column splices are checked for tie forces if applicable. In the building model you are able to set simple connection attributes to allow for tying in one of three ways,

no tie force -this member does not form part of the tying system, minimum tie force - regulations permit only nominal tying of the building (75kN) vertical reaction - full tying requirements are necessary and the tie force is taken to be,

MAX(n x reaction, 75kN) where n is the reduction factor for number of storeys. For 5 storeys and above n = 1.0, for 4 storeys, n = 0.75, 3 storeys, n = 0.5, 2 storeys, n = 0.25 and 1 storey, n = 0.0

In the latter case if a member does not support a floor but simply acts as column tie or masonry restraint for example under normal stage loading (that is at the Ultimate Limit State), there may be no reaction and hence the tie force will be set to the minimum.

Where design for tie forces is required, Fastrak adopts the following approach: for simple connections to a column flange or to hollow sections, the connecting elements

and the column are designed for the tie force in the supported beam, for simple connections to a column web the connecting elements are designed for the

appropriate tie force whereas the web is designed for the difference in the tie forces (if any),

for simple connections to a beam web the connecting elements are designed for the appropriate tie force. However, there is no design model for the tying resistance of a beam web. Hence, Fastrak does not carry out any calculations for the beam web and reports a Warning status against the relevant check (SCI P358: Check 14).

Note that edge beams and internal beams where there is net tie force across the web are not designed for the out of plane bending that the application of the tying might infer. This is the correct interpretation and so there is no requirement for either Fastrak or for you independently to carry out such checks.

Chapter 9 : Additional Design Considerations Connections Documentation page 49Fire Limit StateThe elevated temperature behaviour of connections in fire is not within the scope of Fastrak. However, when portal frame structures are in boundary conditions there is a requirement for the base to resist the overturning moment that is part of the frame design model.[7]

Serviceability Limit StateSince pre-loaded bolts are not within the current scope of Fastrak there are no specific serviceability requirements for the connections themselves.

Note that the serviceability requirements for the building as a whole (that is deflections) depend on the behaviour of moment connections being sensibly rigid

Connections Documentation page 50 Chapter 10 : Sign ConventionsChapter 10 Sign Conventions

The following sign conventions apply for your EC3 Fastrak Connections application.

Simple ConnectionsConventions

positive shear down, tie force is positive.

Moment ConnectionsConvention

positive moment induces tension in top flange, positive shear down, positive axial into connection.

Column BasesConvention looking at the column with face A on the right.

positive moment clockwise, positive shear from face C to A, positive axial into base.

Hollow Section ConnectionAdopts the compression +ve sign convention adopted by BS EN 1993-1-8:2005.

The rules are therefore: Forces inducing axial compression in members are +ve Forces inducing ax

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