Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
(OP)
I am analyzing an existing connection.
Two beams frame into one another over top a column (sitting on column cap plate)
The beams each have a pair of clip angles that mate up and bolt together at the ends. Nothing ties the top/bottom flanges together.
Question is, for analysis, would consider this a moment connection or just shear? (even though the clips see no real shear force due to the beams resting on the column).
I realize that the connection is somewhere between pinned & fixed, but what is a more accurate assumption>?
I am leaning towards pinned since nothing ties the flanges together.
Two beams frame into one another over top a column (sitting on column cap plate)
The beams each have a pair of clip angles that mate up and bolt together at the ends. Nothing ties the top/bottom flanges together.
Question is, for analysis, would consider this a moment connection or just shear? (even though the clips see no real shear force due to the beams resting on the column).
I realize that the connection is somewhere between pinned & fixed, but what is a more accurate assumption>?
I am leaning towards pinned since nothing ties the flanges together.






RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
I'm curious, are the bottom flanges not connected to the cap plate?
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
I guess my thought was since the beams only experience positive bending, there is nothing tying the tension flanges together and if the clips are flexible (as you point out) it is a pinned connection.
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
I cannot think of a single project in which I designed a beam-to-beam connection on top of a column.
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
Its a crane runway.
The clip angles sandwich a plate that is connected back to the upper shaft of the crane column.
In hindsight, my question was a rather stupid one.
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
Your are 100% correct...but, this is existing, so it's not my choice.
I cant tell you how many runways I have repaired or completely rebuilt due to the original designers using fixed connections (theoretical) and knee braces that cause fatigue failures....hence my ultra sensitivity to applying the right conditions to my analysis.
I will have to assume the above described connection has enough ductility to allow for proper beam end rotation on the runway.
BTW, this runway is in remarkably great shape...built in the 30's but it does include pesky knee braces.
thanks
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts
RE: Simple Support vs Moment- Thoughts