Steel Connection Design Calculator

Connection Configuration

Connection Category

Connection Type

Configuration

Design Code

Connection Sketch

Sketch will update based on selected configuration

Applied Loads

Axial Force (kN)

Tension (+) or Compression (-)

Shear Force (kN)

Bending Moment (kNm)

Load Case

Load Combination

Eccentric Load Application ?

Bolt Properties

Bolt Grade

Bolt Diameter (mm)

Number of Bolts

Pitch Distance (mm)

Edge Distance (mm)

Number of Rows

Slip-Critical Connection ?

Preloaded Bolts ?

Staggered Bolt Pattern ?

Weld Properties

Weld Type

Weld Size (mm)

Weld Length (mm)

Electrode Grade

Weld Position

Weld Continuity

All-Around Weld ?

Material Properties

Main Member Steel Grade

Main Member Thickness (mm)

Connecting Plate Steel Grade

Connecting Plate Thickness (mm)

Corrosive Environment ?

Fire Resistance Required ?

Advanced Options

Safety Factor

Eccentricity X (mm)

Eccentricity Y (mm)

Stiffener Requirement

Connection Ductility

Fabrication Tolerance (mm)

Consider Prying Action ?

Block Shear Check ?

Design Results

Connection is Adequate

The connection design meets all required safety checks according to Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-8).

Bolt Capacity Checks

Shear Capacity per Bolt	45.2 kN	OK
Bearing Capacity per Bolt	62.8 kN	OK
Tension Capacity per Bolt	84.3 kN	OK
Combined Shear & Tension	0.72 (≤1.0)	OK

Weld Capacity Checks

Weld Shear Capacity	312 kN	OK
Weld Tension Capacity	285 kN	OK
Throat Thickness	4.2 mm	OK

Plate Capacity Checks

Tension Yield Capacity	480 kN	OK
Tension Rupture Capacity	420 kN	OK
Shear Yield Capacity	360 kN	OK
Block Shear Capacity	395 kN	OK

Safety Factors

Shear Utilization	0.68 (≤1.0)	OK
Tension Utilization	0.59 (≤1.0)	OK
Combined Utilization	0.81 (≤1.0)	OK
Overall Safety Factor	2.3 (≥1.5)	OK

Steel Connection Design Basics

Types of Steel Connections

Steel connections are typically classified based on the type of forces they transfer and their rigidity:

Shear Connections: Designed to transfer shear forces between members (e.g., simple beam-to-column connections)
Moment Connections: Designed to transfer bending moments (e.g., rigid beam-to-column connections)
Axial Connections: Designed to transfer tension or compression along the member axis (e.g., truss connections)
Combined Connections: Designed to transfer multiple types of forces simultaneously

Design Considerations

When designing steel connections, engineers must consider:

Strength: The connection must safely transfer all applied loads
Stiffness: The connection's rigidity affects structural behavior
Ductility: Ability to deform without sudden failure
Constructability: Ease of fabrication and erection
Economy: Cost-effective design

Design Codes

The calculator supports three major design codes:

IS 800:2007

Indian Standard for general construction in steel

AISC 360-16

American Institute of Steel Construction specification

Eurocode 3

EN 1993-1-8: Design of steel structures - Part 1-8

The calculator currently supports three major design codes: IS 800:2007 (Indian Standard), AISC 360-16 (American), and Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-8). The calculations automatically adjust based on the selected code's requirements and safety factors.

The calculator implements the standard design equations from each code with high accuracy. However, all engineering designs should be reviewed by a qualified structural engineer before implementation. The calculator is intended for preliminary design and educational purposes.

Yes, after running a calculation you can export the results to PDF using the "Export PDF" button. This creates a summary report with all inputs, calculations, and results. For security and privacy, designs are not saved on our servers.