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Connection

Introduction

• General definition:
– Connections or joints are used to transfer the forces supported by a
structural member to other parts of the structure or to the supports.
• EN 1993-1-8 definitions;
– Connection consists of fasteners such as bolts, pin, rivets or weld and
the local member elements connected by these fasteners
– A joint consists of the zone in which the members are connected and
includes the connection as well as the portions of the member or
members at the joint needed to facilitate the action being transferred.
• The arrangement of a joint is usually chosen to suit
– The type of action (force and/or moment)
– The type of member such as tension or compression member, beam or
beam-column being connected.

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Types of connections

• For buildings designed to resist essentially static loading, including wind

loads, it will normally be sufficient to design connections to resist forces
that primarily act in one direction only

1. Connection between members

1 of roof truss
2
2. Truss to column
6
5
3 3. Beam to column

4. Column to base

5. Splice joint beam to beam

4

6. Splice joint column to column

Joints configurations

• Single sided beam to column connection

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• Double sided beam to column connection

• Beam to beam joints

• Beam slices

• Braced connection

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• Column base

Other type of connection commonly used for

design recommendation

• Three connections type used in the present design recommendations to

connect a beam to a column or a beam to a beam
1. Header plate connections

– Main component: a steel plate, a filled weld on both sides of the

supported beam web and two single or two double vertical bolt
lines

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2. Fin plate connections

– Main component: a fin plate, a filled weld on both sides of the

plate and a single or double vertical bolt line.

3. Web cleat connections

– Characteristic by two web cleats and three single or double

vertical bolt lines (two on the supporting element and one on the
supported member)

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4. Other simple connections

– Other type of beam to column connections are considered as

hinges.
– Nowadays EC3 part 1-8 classified them as semi-rigid

Bolts connection

• Bolt mainly used in connection to resist shear on the surface of plates and
tensile force along the axis of the bolts.

Bolt head Bolt dia

Shank Thread
(tensile area)

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• Bolt may transfer loads by shear and bearing, by friction plates and
clamped together or by tension
• The use of bolts often facilitates the assembly of a structure, as only very
simple tools are required.

Shear and bearing joint Preloaded friction-grip joint Tension joint

Bolt type

• Two classes of bolt: normal bolts and high strength bolts (preload bolts)
• Only non-preload cover
• Their design geometrical and mechanical characteristic are given in Table
below:
Table 1 : Bolts area
d (mm) 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 27 30
A (mm2) 50 78 113 154 201 254 314 380 452 573 707
As (mm2) 36 58 84 115 157 192 245 303 353 459 561

Table 2 : Nominal values of the yield strength fyb and the ultimate tensile
strength fub for bolts (Table 3.1 EC3-1-8)
Bolt class 4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8 8.8 10.9
fyb (N/mm2) 240 320 300 400 480 640 900
fub (N/mm2) 400 400 500 500 600 800 1000

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• Common bolt :
– Black hexagon bolt which is usually specified in two strength grades:
• Grade 4.6 ( mild steel ) , yield stress 240N/mm2
• Grade 8.8 ( high strength steel ) yield stress 640 N/mm2
– HSFG bolt (high strength friction grip)
• Specified in Grade 8.8 and grade 10.9
• Current bolt development:
– Blind bolt fastener:

Lindapter Hollobolt Ultra Twist bolt Flowdrill

Bolt :Geometric consideration

• Hole size
– The most commonly used bolt diameters (d) are 16, 20, 24 and
30mm.
– for bolts ups to and including diameters of 24mm, the clearance
should be 2mm and above 24 mm should be 3 mm.
– Table 11 in EN 1090-2 gives nominal clearances for bolts and pin (mm)
– Normal clearance holes, as given for ordinary bolts, are usually used
for preloaded bolting assemblies but it is permissible to use oversize,
short or long slotted holes, provided standard hardened washers are
used over the holes in the outer plies and not just under turn part.
– The assessment of the slip resistance is affected when oversize or
slotted holes are used. The constant ks (Table 3.6 EC3-1-8), which is 1.0
for bolts in clearance holes, is educed to 0.85-0.63 depending on the
length slotted hole and its orientation to the direction of load transfer.

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Table 3 : Nominal clearances for bolts and pins (mm) (Extract from Table 11 of EN 1090-2)
Nominal bolt or pin diameter d (mm) 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 27 and
over
Normal round holes a 1 bc 2 3
Oversize round holes 3 4 6 8
Short slotted holes (on the length) d 4 6 8 10
Long slotted holes (on the length) d 1,5 d
aFor application such as towers and masts the nominal clearance for normal round holes shall be
reduced by 0,5 mm unless otherwise specified.

b For coated fasteners, 1 mm nominal clearance can be increased by the coating thickness of the
fastener.

c Bolts with nominal diameter 12 and 14 mm, or countersunk bolts may also be used in 2 mm clearance

holes under conditions given in EN 1993-1-8.

d For bolts in slotted holes the nominal clearance across the width shall be the same as the clearance on

diameter specified for normal round holes.

• Spacing of fasteners, end and edge distance

– The maximum spacing requirement is to ensure that the section of
plate between bolts does not buckle when it is in compression.
– The requirement for minimum spacing is to ensure that local crushing
in the wake of a bolt does not affect any adjacent bolt.
– Lifting of the edges are prevented by specifying a maximum edge
distance. Specifying minimum edge distance may prevent edge
splitting or tearing.
– Spacing requirement is covered fully in Clause 3.5 of EN 1993-1-8 .
– Minimum bolt spacing and edge and end distances are as below,
where do is the fastener (bolt) hole diameter. These values are defined
in Table 6.4 or in Table 3.3 of EC3-1-8.
• Minimum spacing of bolts in the direction of load transfer p1=2.2do
• Minimum end distance in the direction of load transfer e1=1.2do

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Table 4 : Minimum and maximum spacing, end and edge distance (Table 3.3 of EC3-1-8)

Maximum 1) 2) 3)
Structures made of
Structures made of steels according to EN 10025
steels according to
Distance and except steel acc. to EN 10025-5
Minimum EN 10025-5
spacing, See figure 1
Steel not exposed to
Steel exposed to the
the weather or other Steel upon
weather or other
corrosive influence unprotected
corrosive influence

The larger of 18t or

End distance e1 1,2do 4t + 40 mm
125 mm
End distance e2 1,2do 4t + 40 mm
The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14tmin
Spacing p1 2,2do
200 mm 200 mm or 175 mm
The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14t or The smaller of 14tmin
Spacing p2 2,4do
200 mm 200 mm or 175 mm

1) Maximum values for spacing, edge and end distance are unlimited, except in the following cases:
– For compression members in order to avoid local buckling and to prevent corrosion in exposed
members and
– For exposed tension members to prevent corrosion
2) The local buckling resistance of the plate in compression between the fasteners should be calculated
according to EN 1993-1-1 as column-like buckling by using 0.6pi as buckling length. Local buckling
between fasteners need to be checked if p1/t is smaller the 9ε. The edge distance should not exceed the
maximum to satisfy local buckling requirements for an outstand element in the compression members,
see EN1993-1-1. the end distance is not effected by this requirement
3) t is the thickness of the thinner outer connected part

Figure 1 : Symbols for end and edge distance and spacing of fasteners
(Figure3.1 of EC3-1-8)

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Principle of load transmission

• Shear
– In this case the load is transmitted into and out of the bolts by bearing
on the connected plates. The forces in the bolts are transmitted by
transverse shear

• Tension force
– In the case of moment loading (M) only, the tension part of the load is
transmitted by axial tension in the bolt

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• Combined tension and shear force

– In the case of combined moment (M) and transverse loading (V), the
bolts may be required to transmit a combination of transverse shear
and axial tension.
– In Figure below, the bolts A transmit transverse shear, while the bolts
B transmit a combination of shear and tension or shear and
compression

Bolts that are not preloaded to a

predetermined preload, may be
called "non-preloaded bolts" or
"ordinary bolts". In case of a shear
connection (in Figure)these bolts
are also called "bearing type" bolts

• Spliced joint
– The principal action on a bolt in a splice joint of the type shown in
Figure is shearing on its cross-sectional plane caused by bearing
between opposing plates in the joint.
– The elastic distribution of these bearing stresses and the stresses
produced in the bolt are complex. However, for fully developed plastic
conditions, the distribution of shear stress is effectively uniform so
that the shear strength is the product of the cross-section area of the
bolt in the shear plane and the shear strength of the material

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Modes of failure

a) Bolt shear
b) Plate shear or tear-out
c) Bolt bearing
d) Plate bearing
e) Bolt tension failure
f) Tension on net section

Design resistance of bolt

• BS EN 1993-1-8 assign bolted connections to one of five categories:
– Category A: Bearing-type
• No preloading is required and the resistance is the less of the design shear
or bearing resistance
– Category B: Slip resistant at serviceability limit state
• Preloading is sufficient to ensure that slip does not occur under
serviceability loading but at the ultimate limit state the bolt acts as a
category A bearing type
– Category C: Slip resistance at ultimate limit state
• The design slip resistance should be greater than the design ultimate
shear load.
– Category D: Non-preload bolts loaded in tension, which are not suitable in
connections where the tensile loading fluctuates.
– Category E: Preloaded bolts loaded in tension, which require controlling
tightening.

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• Non-preloaded structural bolting assemblies have to resist force in shear

and bring or tension, or combination of these
• Shear
– The resistance Fv of a bolt in shear depends on the shear strength of
bolt ( of tensile strength fub) and the area A of the bolt in a particular
shear plane (either gross area or tensile stress area through the
threads As , as appropriate)
– EC3-1-8 requires the design shear force Fv,Ed to be limited by

Fv , Ed ≤ Fv , Rd

– The shear resistance per shear plane , Fv,Rd, is given by

α v f ub A
Fv , Rd = ( Table 3.4 EC3-1-8)
γM2

Where the shear plane passes through the threaded portion of the bolt ( A is the
tensile area of the bolt As)
– For class 4.6, 5.6 and 8.8
αv = 0,6
– For class 4.8, 5.8and 6.8 and 10.9
αv = 0,5
Where the shear plane passes through the unthreaded portion of the bolt ( A is
the gross section of the bolt)
αv = 0,6
– In preloaded shear connection, shear force is resist by friction until
the slip occurs. The slip resistance, Fs,Rd is given by:

k s nµ
Fs , Rd = Fp , C (Clause 3.9.1 of EC3-1-8)
γM3

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Where ;
ks is given in Table 5 ( Table 3.6 of EC3-1-8)
n is the number of friction surfaces.
μ is the slip factor which may obtained from tests conducted in
accordance with standard from Table 18 of BS EN 1090-2 or
Table 3.7 of EC3-1-8 (reproduced here as Table 6)
Fp,C is the preloading force, which for class 8.8 and 10.9 bolts with
controlled tightening, My be taken as 0.7 fub As

Table 5 : Values of ks (Table 3.6 of EC3-1-8)

Description ks

Bolts in normal holes 1,0

Bolts in either oversized holes or short slotted holes with the axis of the slot perpendicular to the 0,85
direction of load transfer
Bolts in long slotted holes with the axis of the slot perpendicular to the direction of load transfer. 0,7

Bolts in short slotted holes with the axis of the slot parallel to the direction of load transfer. 0,76

Bolts in long slotted holes with the axis of the slot parallel to the direction of load transfer 0,63

Table 6: slip factors (Extract from Table 18 of EN1090-2)

Surface treatment Class Slip factor μ
Surface blasted with shot or grit with loose rust removed, not pitted A 0,50
Surface blasted with shot or grit B 0,40
a) spray-metallized with a aluminium or zinc based product;
b) With alkali-zinc silicate paint with a thickness of 50 μm to 80 μm
Surface cleaned by wire-brushing or flame cleaning, with loose rust C 0,30
removed
Surface as rolled D 0,20

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• Bearing
– Controlled by either deformation of the bolt or the bearing resistance
of the plates or section through which the bolt pass, and is a function
of the position of the bolt holes.
• i.e. end, edge and pitch distances
– For bearing the resistance is given by

k1α b f u dt
Fb , Rd = (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)
γM2
• Where αb is the smallest of αd , fub/fu or 1.0
• fu is the ultimate tensile strength of the connected parts and ( with
reference to Figure 1):

• In the direction of load transfer,

e1
αd = for end bolts
3d 0
p1
αd = − 0.25 for inner bolts
3d 0

Where αb is the smallest of αd ; fub/fu ; 1.0

• Perpendicular to the direction of load transfer k1, is the smaller of:

 e 
 2.8 × 2 − 1.7  or 2.5 for edge bolts
 d0 
 p 
1.4 × 2 − 1.7  or 2.5 for inner bolts
 d0 

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• Verification
– for the situation in which bearing failure occurs in the bolt rather than
the plate
f u dt
Fb , Ed ≤ Fb, Rd =
γ M2

– for situation in which bearing failure of the plate ( where a bolt bears
against part of the surface of bolt hole through the plate)

k1α b f u dt
Fb, Ed ≤ Fb ,Rd =
γM2

• Tension
– The resistance of a bolt in tension depends on the tensile strength fub
of the bolt and the minimum cross-sectional area of the threaded
length of the bolt, the design force is limited to

Ft , Ed ≤ Ft , Rd
– The design tension resistance , Ft,Rd of bolt is given in EC3-1-8 Table 3.4
as; k f A
Ft , Rd = 2 ub s
γM2

where ;
As is the tensile area of bolt
k2 = 0.9 (Except for countersunk bolts, where k2 = 0.63

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• Combination shear and tension

– Non- preloaded bolt which are subjected to both tension and shear
should satisfy the following relationship;
Fv , Ed f
+ t , Ed ≤ 1.0 (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)
F v , Rd 1.4 F t , Rd

– This expression allows a bolt fully loaded in tension to also resist shear
forces up to approximately 30% of the design resistance
– Preloaded bolts in friction grip connections that are also subjected to
externally applied tension should satisfy (Clause 3.9.2)
• For category B connection (slip resistance at SLS)
k s nµ ( Fp ,C − 0.8 Ft , Ed , ser
Fs , RD , ser =
γ M 3,ser
• For a category C connection ( slip resistance at ULS)
k s nµ ( Fp ,C − 0.8Ft , Ed )
Fs , RD =
γM3

• Packing and long joints

– Special provision are made when using oversize or slotted holes or
countersunk bolts.
– Where bolts transmit load in shear and bearing and pass through
packing of total thickness tp

Figure 4 : Fasteners through packing

– The design shear resistance should be reduced by a factor βp given by
9d
βp = But βp ≤ 1.0
8d + 3t p

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– Provisions are also given for

• injection bolts ( Clause 3.6.2 of EN3-1-8)
• bolts groups in bearing( Clause 3.7 of EN3-1-8)
• Long joints ( Clause 3.8 of EN 1993-1-8)
– For long joints, the design resistance of all fasteners should be reduced
by multiplying by the reduction factor βLf

L j − 15d
β Lf = 1 − but 0.75 ≤ β Lf ≤ 1.0
200d
Where Lj is the distance between the centres of the end bolts in joint

Example 6.1 : Bolt in single shear

• Problem : Calculate the strength of the bolts in the lap slice shown below
assuming the use of M20 Grade 4.6 bolts in 22 mm clearance holes and
Grade S275 plate.

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Solution:
1) Shear resistance
Bolts are in single shear and it is assumed that the shear plane passes
through the threaded portion of the bolts:
αv=0.6
fub = 400 N/mm2 Table 3.1 of EC3-1-8/ISO 898
A=As = 245 mm2
γM2=1.25
Shear resistance per bolt, Fv,Rd:

α v f ub A 0.6 × 400 × 245

Fv , Rd = = = 47040 N = 47.0 kN
γ M2 1.25

2) Bearing resistance
Bearing resistance per bolt , Fb,Rd:
k α f dt
Fb , Rd = 1 b u
γ M2
From geometry : p1 = 60 mm, e1 = 40 mm, e2 = 40 mm, do = 22 mm
From EN10025-2, fu of plate (Grade S275, t>3 mm) = 410 N/mm2.

e1 40
For end bolts, α d = = = 0.606
3d 0 66
p1 60
For inner bolts,α d = − 0.25 = − 0.25 = 0.66
3d 0 66
 e2 
For edge bolts, k1 is the smaller of  2.8 × − 1.7  or 2.5
 d0 
 40 
 2 .8 × − 1 .7  = 3 .4 ∴ k 1 = 2 .5
 22 

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fub/fu = 400/410 = 0.98

αb is the smallest of αd ; fub/fu ; 1.0
For end bolts αb = 0.61 and the inner bolts αb = 0.66
Therefore for end bolts,

k1α b f u dt 2.5 × 0.61 × 410 × 20 × 16

Fb, Rd = = = 160.1 kN
γM2 1.25

And, for inner bolt

k1α b f u dt 2.5 × 0.66 × 410 × 20 × 16
Fb , Rd = = = 173.1 kN
γ M2 1.25

∴ Clearly the resistance of the joint is controlled by the strength in

shear. Therefore, the resistance of the tension splice as governed by
the shear resistance of the bolts = 3 x 47.0 = 141 kN.

Example 6.2: Bolt in double shear

• Problem : Calculate the strength of the bolts in the lap slice shown below
assuming the use of M20 Grade 4.6 bolts in 22 mm clearance holes and
Grade S275 plate

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Solution:
1) Shear resistance
Bolts are in double shear and it is assumed that two shear plane passes
through the threaded portion of the bolts:
αv=0.6
fub = 400 N/mm2
A=As = 245 mm2
γM2=1.25

Shear resistance per bolt, Fv,Rd:

α v f ub A 0.6 × 2 × 400 × 245
Fv, Rd = = = 94.0 kN
γ M2 1.25

2) Bearing resistance
• Bearing resistance per bolt , Fb,Rd:
k1α b f u dt
Fb , Rd =
γ M2
From geometry : p1 = 60 mm, e1 = 40 mm, e2 = 40 mm, do = 22 mm
From EN10025-2, fu of plate (Grade S275, t>3 mm) = 410 N/mm2.

e1 40
For end bolts, α d = = = 0.606
3d 0 66

For inner bolts, α d = p1 − 0.25 = 60 − 0.25 = 0.66

3d 0 66
 e2 
For edge bolts, k1 is the smaller of  2.8 × − 1.7  or 2.5
 d0 

 40 
 2 .8 × − 1.7  = 3.4 ∴ k1 = 2.5
 22 

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fub/fu = 400/410 = 0.98

αb is the smaller of : αd ; fub/fu ; 1.0
For end bolts αb = 0.61 and the inner bolts αb = 0.66

Therefore for end bolts,

k1α b f u dt 2.5 × 0.61 × 410 × 20 × 16
Fb, Rd = = = 160.1 kN
γM2 1.25
And, for inner bolt
k1α b f u dt 2.5 × 0.66 × 410 × 20 × 16
Fb, Rd = = = 173.1 kN
γM2 1.25

∴ Clearly the resistance of the joints is controlled by the strength in shear.

Therefore, the resistance of the tension splice as govern by the shear
resistance of the bolts = 3 x 94.0 = 282 kN.

Verify the connection in Figure below is adequate

Splice plate 95 x 50

Given:
2 Nos 100 x 65 x 8 
Bolt 20 mm dia Grade 4.6
Bolt holes 22 mm dia
Steel Grade S275

Permanent load (tension) = 85 kN

Variable load (tension) = 95 kN

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Eccentric connection (bracket connections)

• Generally these types of connections are used to resist applied moment

and shear. Usually these kinds of connection are commonly used when the
applied load is not located in the column axis

• There are two principle types of eccentrically loaded connection

Moment at 90o to plane of

Moment in plane of connection
connection (Direct shear and
( direct shear and torsion)
tension)

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Moment in plane of connection (direct shear and torsion)

Suppose force in each bolt due to

P
e moment is F1, F2, F3,…Fn with the
distance of r1,r2,r3…rn respectively.

Therefore :
y
Applied moment Mi = Pe

-y Resistance Moment of bolts

Mr = F1r1+F2r2+F3r3

-z z But F1 α r1, F2 α r2 or F1 = kr1, F2 = kr2

F1 F2 F
k= = = ......... = n
r1 r2 rn
F1 r2
∴ F2 =
r1

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∴The bolt size is then determined from the maximum load on bolt

Example 6.3: Shear and Torsion

Problem: Determine the suitable bolt size

155mm P=100kN

3@100mm
200kN

2@70mm

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Solution:
1) Load due to shear, Fv , Ed = P = 100 = 12.5 kN
n 8
P.e.r1
1) Load due to moment, Ft , Ed =
(∑ z + ∑ y )
2 2

r = 70 2 + 150 2 = 165.53 mm

∑z 2
= 8 × 70 2 = 39200
3@100mm ∑y 2
= 4 × 150 2 + 4 × 50 2 = 100000

100 × 155 × 165.53

Ft , Ed = = 18.43 kN
139200

2@70mm

3) Resultant load
Fr , Ed = (F
v , Ed
2
+ Ft , Ed + 2 Fv ,ed Ft ,Ed cos φ
2
)
  70  
= 12.5 2 + 18.43 2 + 212.5 × 18.43 × 
  165.53  
= 26.28 kN
4) Try bolt 16mm dia grade 4.6
Shear resistance per bolt, f v , Rd = α v Fub A = 0.6 × 400 × 157 = 30.1 kN
γ M2 1.25

∴ fv,Rd >fr,Ed, ∴ok

5) Other checking if necessary

• Limit shear force, Fv,Rd = 30.1 ≥12.5 kN ∴ok

k1α b f u dt
• Limit bearing strength, Fb , Rd =
γM2

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Moment at 90o to the plane of connection (Bolt in shear and tension)

• For this kind of connection there are several checks need to be carried out
to ensure the adequacy of the connection
– Tension resistance (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)

k 2 f u b As
Ft , Ed ≤ Ft , Rd =
γ M2

where : k2=0,63 for countershank bolt, otherwise k2=0,9.

– Shear resistance per shear plane (Table 3.4 of EC31-8)
α f A
Fv, Ed ≤ Fv , Rd = v u b
γ M2
– Combined shear and tension (Table 3.4 of EC3-1-8)
Fv , Ed Ft , Ed
+ ≤ 1.0
Fv , Rd 1.4 Ft , Rd

• Method of analysis
– Approximate analysis (assumption)
• Centre of rotation is assumed at the bottom bolt of group
• The tension force vary linearly
• The applied shear is distributed equally to each bolt

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Note: For more accurate method analysis, the applied moment is assumed resisted by
the bolt in tension as well as by an area the bottom of the bracket in compression. The
area approximately covers about h/7 from the bottom of the bracket

Example 6.4: Eccentricity connection ( Bolt in

shear and tension)

Problem: Determine the suitable bolt size

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Solution:
1) Force due to direct shear
P 138
Fv , Ed = = = 13.8 kN
n 10
2) Force due to moment
P.e. y1 138 × 300 × 400
Ft , Ed = = = 27.6 kN
2∑ y 2 2(100 2 ) + 2( 200 2 ) + 2(300 2 ) + 2(400 2 )

Try bolt 20 mm dia. Grade 4.6

3) Carry out the verification

k 2 f u b As 0.9 × 400 × 245
Ft , Rd = = = 70.5 kN
γM2 1.25

α v f u b A 0.6 × 400 × 245

Fv , Rd = = = 47 kN
γM2 1.25

i) Ft,Ed < Ft,Rd i.e. 27.6 kN < 70.5 kN∴ok

ii) Fv,Ed < Fv,Rd i.e. 13.8 kN < 47 kN ∴ok

iii) Fv , Ed Ft , Ed 13.8 27.6

+ = + = 0.3 + 0.28 = 0.58 ≤ 1.0 ∴ ok
Fv , Rd 1.4 Ft , Rd 47 1.4 × 70.5

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• Material properties of bolt

Welds connection
2. Welds
• Welding is essential in the fabrication of steel structures
• Good design leads to cost effective fabrications that can be made to
required standards by the use of coordinated specifications, which
provide means for quantitative control of weld quality
• Advantages : Neat, More efficient, No holes to be punched or drilled etc
• In EC3 various type of weld are considered: filled welds, filled welds all
around, butt welds, plug welds and flare groove welds

Figure 2 :Typical fillet weld configurations Figure 3 : Typical butt weld configurations
for (a) T-Joints, (b) lap joint, (c) corner joints

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Welds: Geometric considerations

Effective throats
• The throat thickness of fillet welds is given in Table 6.7
Table 6.7 : Throat thickness of fillet welds

Angle between fusion faces (degrees) Factor ( to be applied to leg length)

60 to 90 0.7
91 to 100 0.65
101 to 106 0.6
107 to 113 0.55
114 to 120 0.5

Effective length (Clause 4.5.1)

• The effective length of a fillet weld is the actual length less twice the
throat thickness to allow for the starting and stopping of the weld.
• Should not be less than 30mm or less than six times the throat thickness
• When a fillet welds terminates at the end or edge of a plate it should be
returned continuously round the corner for a distance of twice the leg
length.
• Intermittent filled welds are laid in short length with gaps between as
specified in EC3-1-8 Figure 4.1.
– Seldom use because of corrosion problem and the possibility of
dynamic load which may cause failure due to fatigue or brittle fracture

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• Effective length , Le = L – s
– L = Overall length
– s = weld size

L L1

L2

Le = L − 2s Le = L − s

Design strength of Weld

• In this study only Filled welded is considered.

• Other important detail in design strength
– In fillet welded joints which are subjected to compression forces
should not be assume, unless provision is made to ensure it, that the
parent metal surfaces are in bearing contact
• Should design to carry the whole of the load.
– Single-sided fillet welds should not be used in cases where there is a
moment about the longitudinal axis
• Ideally should not be used to transmit tension

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Design of fillet weld

• There are three type consider in design welded connection

– Direct shear
– Shear an torsion
– Shear and bending
• Two methods are permitted for the design of fillet welds:
– Directional method
• Forces transmitted by unit length of weld
– Simplified method
• Only longitudinal shear is considered

Directional method
• Normal and shear stresses of the form in Figure 6.19 ( Figure 4.5 of EC3-1-
8) are assumed, in which :
– σ⊥ is the normal stress perpendicular to the throat
– σ is the normal stress parallel to the axis of the weld
– τ⊥ is the shear stress perpendicular to the axis of the weld
– τ is the shear stress parallel to the axis of the weld

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• σ is assumed not to influence the design resistance, while σ⊥, τ⊥ and τ
must satisfy the pair of conditions given by equation
[σ⊥2+3(τ⊥2+τ2)]0.5

where:
fu is the nominal ultimate strength of the weaker part joined ( see Table
6.8)
βw is a factor (between 0.8 and 1.0) depending on the steel type (see
Table 4.1 of EN 1993-1-8)

Table 6.8 : Design resistance of fillet weld (Extract from Table 4.1 of En 1993-
1-8 and Table 7 of EN10025-2)

Thickness of the
Ultimate strength , Correlation factor
Steel Grade Jointed part weaker
fu (N/mm2) βw
(mm)
tp ≤ 3 360
S 235 0,8
3≤ tp ≤ 100 360
tp ≤ 3 430
S 275 0,85
3≤ tp ≤ 100 410
tp ≤ 3 510
S 355 0,9
3≤ tp ≤ 100 470

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Simplified method
• At all points along its length, the resultant of all forces per unit length
transmitted by the weld (Fw,ed) must not exceed the design weld resistance
per unit length (Fw,Rd), where this is simply the product of the design shear
strength fvw,d and the throat thickness a.

Fw, Rd = f vw.d a
• The value of fvw,d should be taken as
fu / 3 fu
f vw.d = =
β wγ M 2 β wγ M 2 3
Where :
fu and βw are defined in section 6.5.2.1 ( or 5.3.3 of EC3-1-8)

Example 6.5: Design resistance of fillet weld (

simplified method)

Problem: Calculate the design strength of fillet weld if the thickness of the
part used is 10 mm thick and the steel grade used s355.

Solution:
fu
• The design shear strength of fillet weld, f vw.d =
β wγ M 2 3

470
∴ f vw.d = = 241 N / mm 2
0.90 × 1.25 × 3

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Example 6.6: Welded connection (Direct shear)

Problem:
A 150 x 20 mm thick tie in Grade S275 steel carrying factored load of 400
kN require a splice within its length. Design a suitable arrangement using
single sided cover plate and fillet weld.

Cover
plate

400 kN 400 kN

Solution:
Cover plate used should be less than 150 mm. Given Fw,Ed = 400 kN. Try
cover plate 100 x 20 mm and try size 8 mm weld

Throat thickness, a = 0.7s = 0.7 x 8 = 5.6 mm

1) Design shear strength of weld:

From Table 6.8, fu = 410 N/mm2 and βw = 0.85
410
∴ f vw.d = = 223 N / mm 2
0.85 × 1.25 × 3

2) The design resistance of the weld per unit length (i.e. per mm run)
Fw,Rd = fvw,d.a = 223 x 5.6 = 1248 N/mm = 1.25 kN/mm

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3) Total resistance
Minimum length required = 400/1.25 = 320 mm
The required length = 320 + (2 x 8) + (2 x 8) = 352 mm ( let say 360 mm)
∴ Total resistance of weld = 1.25 x 360 = 450 kN (>400 kN) ok

Example 6.7: Welded connection (direct shear)

Problem :
Design fillet welds for direct shear connection. Use steel grade S275.

2 nos 65 x 50 x 6 mm
65 mm

yt=43.9 mm
P = 500 kN
yb=21.1 mm

50 mm 50 mm

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Solution :
Load for 1 angle section, Fw,Ed = 500/2 = 250 kN
Try size 8 mm fillet weld
∴Throat thickness, a = 0.7s = 0.7 x 8 = 5.6 mm

1) Design shear strength of weld:

From Table 6.8 fu = 410 N/mm2 and βw = 0.85
410
∴ f vw.d = = 223 N / mm 2
0.85 × 1.25 × 3

2) The design resistance of the weld pe unit length ( i.e per mm run)
Fw,Rd = fvw,d.a = 223 x 5.6 = 1248 N/mm = 1.25 kN/mm
∴minimum length required = 250/1.25 = 200 mm

3) The weld length may be arranged in two ways

i. Balanced the weld on each sides:
Length : 200 x 43.9/65 = 135 mm
Add 2s = 16 mm ;
∴required length = 135 + 16 = 151 mm, say = 155 mm
The other side length = 200 – 135 = 65 mm
Add 2s = 16 mm;
∴required length = 65 + 16 = 81 mm, say = 85 mm

85 mm

155 mm

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ii. Weld placed across the end of angle

Total required length of weld = 200 mm

Taking moment about L2;

L1
ML2 = (L1 x 65) + (65 x 32.5) = 200 x 21.1
65 mm

∴L1 = 32.4 mm + 2s = 48.4 mm, say = 50

mm
L2 ∴L2 = (200 – 65 – 32.4 ) + 2s = 118.6 mm,
say = 120 mm

50 mm
65 mm

120 mm

Eccentric connection of weld

Shear and torsion Shear and bending

• Load acted at the plane of weld • Load acted perpendicular to weld
group group

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Shear and tension

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Example 6.8: Eccentric connection (Shear and

Torsion)
Problem:
Determine the size of the fillet weld. Use steel Grade S275 and Electrode
E35. Design A critical position, A.

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Note: For structural use of steel minimum size of 6 mm is normally used

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Shear and bending

• Load 90o to the plane of weld group , i.e. Bracket connection

• Many assumptions made to analyse the force. There two method

assumption used in design weld connection of shear and bending.
i) Assumed rotation occurs at x-x
P
• Direct shear, Fs = per mm length
Weld effective length
My P.e. y
• Due to moment , FT = = per mm length
I I

∴Resultant, Fw, Ed = Fs + FT
2 2

Weld size will then be determined

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2 ) Assumed rotation occur at x1-x1

• Weld at flange to resist moment
• Weld at web to resist shear

P
Fs =
2D
Direct shear,
Determine weld size at web (Pw=0.75pw)
P.e
FT =
BD
Due to moment,
Determine weld size at flange

Example 6.9: Welded connection (Shear and

bending

Problem:
• determine the suitable size of weld

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CONCLUSION

Bolted connection:
1)Direct shear – check shear resistance & bearing
resistance (Table 3.4 EC3-1-8)
2)Shear & Torsion
i)Load due to shear
ii)Load due to torsion
iii)Resultant load
iv)Shear resistance per bolt (Table 3.4 EC3-1-8) –
compare with resultant load

3)Shear & Tension

i)Force due to shear
ii)Force due to tension
iii)Shear resistance per bolt (Table 3.4 EC3-1-8) –
compare with force due to shear
iv)Tension resistance (Table 3.4 EC3-1-8) – compare
with force due to tension
v)Combined shear & tension (Table 3.4 EC3-1-8)

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Welded connection:
1)Direct shear – calculate fvw,d & Fw,Rd (Table 3.4 EC3-1-8)
i)Design shear strength of weld, fvw,d (4.5.3.3(3) EC3-1-8)
ii)Design resistance of the weld per unit length Fw,Rd
(4.5.3.3(2) EC3-1-8)
iii)Total resistance – min. length required (Fw,Ed/Fw,Rd), the
required length ( min. length req. + 2s), total resistance
(Fw,Rd x the req. length)

2)Shear & Torsion

i)Force due to shear
ii)Force due to torsion
iii)Resultant force
iv)Design shear strength of weld, fvw,d (4.5.3.3(3) EC3-1-8)
v)Design resistance of the weld per unit length Fw,Rd
(4.5.3.3(2) EC3-1-8) – compare with resultant force

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2)Shear & Tension

i)Force due to shear
ii)Force due to tension
iii)Resultant force
iv)Design shear strength of weld, fvw,d (4.5.3.3(3)
EC3-1-8)
v)Design resistance of the weld per unit length Fw,Rd
(4.5.3.3(2) EC3-1-8) – compare with resultant force

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