ABSTRACT
The failure of most structure occurs at a connection. Thus, the American Institute of Steel Construction placed a lot of emphasis on connections and has brought out separate detailed design specifications related to connections in the 2005 and subsequent Steel Design Manual. Steel connections are made by bolting and welding; riveting is obsolete. Bolting of steel structures is rapid and requires less skilled labor. Welding is simple, and many complex connections with bolts become very simple when welds are used. Ordinary or common bolts, also known as unfinished bolts, are classified as A307 bolts. The characteristics of A307 steel are very similar to A36 steel. The strength of ordinary bolts is considerably less than those of high-strength bolts. High-strength bolts are used in bearing-type and slip-critical or friction type connections. Welding is a process in which the heat of an electric arc melts the welding electrode and the adjacent material of the part being connected simultaneously.
