📺Tutorial T03-1 Connections Design

Summary

This document appears to be a comprehensive summary of a tutorial for the Master Series Connections software, detailing the process of designing and analysing various structural joints, both in a stand-alone mode and integrated with MasterPort and MasterFrame.

The tutorial specifically focuses on structural steel design under EC3 (Eurocode 3), utilizing the UK national annex.

I. Initial Setup and Eaves Connection Design

The process begins by creating a new file (e.g., tutor 03--1). General design parameters are set, including accepting default ticks and applying options like "down to nearest" and "deep penetration".

Designing the Eaves Connection: The tutorial selects an eaves connection, choosing an extended portal eaves from the MS library.

1. Forces and Design Options: Initial input forces of 550, 250, and 125 are entered. The column section is changed to a 53321082, and the beam section is changed to the 74 kilogram section. Both are set to Grade 275.
2. Haunch and End Plate: The haunch length is set to 2800 and the overall depth to 900. The haunch material grade is set to Grade 275. The end plate is initially set to 20mm thick (top and bottom) and also Grade 275. Bolt details use 8.8 20s.
3. Joint Design and Adjustment: The initial design resulted in failures. The bolt configuration is reset and adjusted, specifically setting the second row of bottom bolts to 90. Bolt rows for the bottom connection are set to four rows at 80 centres.
4. Weld Sizing: Once the bolts pass (indicated by white colour on the screen), welds are checked. The top flange weld and bottom weld are successfully set to 6mm. The haunch end weld initially defaults to 12mm; it must be increased until it works, requiring a 12mm weld to pass the design checks .

II. Loading Cases and Auto-Design

Multiple Loading Cases: The first loading case is titled "dead plus life" . A second loading case is added, named "depth plus uplift" . For the second case, negative forces are applied (e.g., negative 250, minus 100, minus 125), indicating vertically upward shear . The program allows switching between these loading cases .

Automatic Design: The joint is copied and appended (called 'brief 2'), and the data is reset . The automatic design feature is used, stipulating 90 centres and 10mm thickness . The program attempts to size the joint automatically for both loading cases .

III. Base Plate Design

A new joint is added: a slab internal base plate .

1. Forces and Column: Forces are set (Moment 220, Shear 200, Axial 750) . The column section is changed from a U.C. to a U.B. 53382 section, grade 275 .
2. Bolts and Concrete: The bolts are set to Type 1 4.6s Basic bolts (20 mil) . Edge distances (95) and inner cross centres (120) are set symmetrically . Concrete cube strength is set to 40, cast grout to 25, and cast in depth to 200 . Top steel of 10s at 200 is added for punching design .
3. Base Plate Dimensions: The base plate width is changed to 300, and the overall width is set to 625 . Adjustments are made to cross centres (increased to 150) to improve stability .

IV. Beam Splice Design

A beam splice with external plates is added .

1. Forces and Properties: Forces are set to 250, 150, and 150 . The beam is changed to a UB 457 191 67 section, grade 275 .
2. Buckling and Bolts: Information for out-of-plane buckling is added (LEX 2 metres, LEY 3 metres), which calculates additional forces due to strut action moments (e.g., 1.8 kilonewton metres) . Bolts are changed to 8.8 , and the hole tolerance is reduced to +1mm (close tolerance) to solve the problem of movement in the joint .

3. Plates and Configuration:

   • Flange Plates: Top exterior plates are set to 12 by 190, with 3 rows of bolts, longitudinal centres at 80mm, cross centres at 100, and edge distance at 35 . The bottom plate configuration is identical . The center gap is closed to 100 .
   • Web Plates: 10mm cover plates are used, with a width/depth of 325 . Bolt centres are 3 sets at 80, and longitudinally 2 centres at 80 .
4. Staggered Bolts and Rotation: The web plate configuration is later modified to use a staggered pattern by changing the depth to 375 and adjusting centres and bolt numbers . The software calculates slippage/rotation when not using high-strength friction grip bolts. For a 15.55-metre beam spliced asymmetrically at 4.75 metres, the slippage/rotation is calculated as 29mm .

V. Simple Shear Beam Connection

A new joint is added for a simple connection: Flexible end plate to beam (double standard) .

1. Beam Properties: The left beam has a shear of 270 (grade 275, section 53392) . The right beam has a shear of 200 (grade 275, section 53382) .
2. Plate and Bolt Configuration: For both sides, the plate width is 210, and the number of bolt rows is stipulated as five .
3. Notches: Notch sizes are adjusted, with the minimum top notch set to 30 and the bottom notch to 35, ensuring no infringement on the root fillet .

VI. Integration with MasterPort and MasterFrame

The tutorial also demonstrates designing connections within larger structural analysis software:

MasterPort: A simple joint is pushed through in interactive mode. After analysis, an extended end plate connection is applied. The auto-design function is used . Adjustments, such as lifting the bottom bolts slightly (e.g., to 100), are made based on "dim checks" (dimension checks) .

MasterFrame: Connections are designed using design groups to handle several joints simultaneously . Groups created include External Leaves, Internal Leaves, Apex, and Base plates (Bass outer, Enter) . The frame is analyzed . Auto-design is used for the eaves connection, designing it for both sides simultaneously . Stiffeners (e.g., a 10mm stiffener) and welds (e.g., 12mm weld) may be required for complex joints . Base plates are also designed, applying a standard external bolt slab to all required columns .

The following table provides a comprehensive summary of the structural connection design tutorial based on the source material, organized chronologically with timestamps: