BASE PLATE & END PLATE

Structural steel moment connection using bolts and welds

1. TENSION ZONE

Connection Geometry:

• Typically involves an end plate welded to the beam and bolted to the column flange
• Bolts are arranged in rows above and below the beam flanges

Check Column Flange Yielding:

• Ensure the column flange can withstand the tensile forces from the connection
• Calculate the yield line pattern and corresponding resistance

Check Column Web Tension:

• Verify the column web can resist the tensile forces transferred from the flange
• Consider the effective width of the web in tension

2. CALCULATED RESISTANCE MOMENT

• Determine the moment capacity based on the weakest component in the connection
• Consider all potential failure modes in tension and compression zones

3. END PLATE DESIGN

• Design the end plate thickness to resist bending from bolt forces
• Ensure proper edge distances and bolt spacing

4. COMPRESSION ZONE

On Beam Side - Beam flange crushing (bearing):

• Check the beam flange capacity to resist compressive forces

On Column Side - Web Crushing Check:

• Verify the column web can withstand local bearing stresses

On Column Side - Web buckling Check:

• Ensure the column web is stable against buckling under compressive loads

5. COLUMN WEB PANEL SHEAR

• Calculate the shear capacity of the column web panel
• Consider the need for doubler plates if required

6. COMPRESSION STIFFENER DESIGN

Stiffener Capacity in Compression:

• Design stiffeners to prevent local buckling and distribute compressive forces
• Ensure proper fit and alignment with beam flanges

Stiffener Welding Thickness Check:

• Verify weld sizes are adequate to transfer forces between stiffener and column

7. VERTICAL SHEAR IN BOLTS

• Calculate the shear capacity of the bolts
• Ensure the number and size of bolts are sufficient to resist applied shear forces

8. Welds

• Design fillet welds for the beam-to-end plate connection
• Ensure full-penetration welds are used where required (e.g., beam flange to end plate)
• Check weld capacities for tension, compression, and shear forces