ABSTRACT
Connections between beams and columns fall into two broad categories, those intended to carry moment, and those intended to carry vertical shear only. The thickness of end plates/angles should generally be 8 mm for sections up to and including 457 mm depth, and 10 mm for sections of greater depth. The strength of the connection normally depends upon the ability of the seat angle to resist shear, and bending. The connection is generally used for reactions of between 50 and 140 kN. The general design objective is to use fasteners sparingly, whilst maintaining reasonable joint proportions. There are two general forms for this type of construction, i.e. semi-rigid or fully rigid. Semi-rigid connections are used where minor moments are likely to occur, and where the imposed moment is much less than the capacity of the beam. Rigid connections are used with higher moments such as those that occur with plastic design of portal frames.
