Shear connection 1

[SteelPE]

I am in the process of designing a shear connection. I know there is a provision that requires the connection to take place in the upper half of the beam (or a given maximum distance from the top of the beam). I can’t seem to find this requirement. Code is AISC 9th edition (although I will accept references from the 13th).

 

[WillisV]

There is not a specific requirement - the code just requires that points of support be restrained from twisting about their longitudinal axis - this results in most connections being a minimum depth of the T distance over 2. See:

http://www.modernsteel.com/steelinterchange_details.php?id=916

 

[connectegr]

The guideline, is that the minimum depth of the connection should be at least T/2, or half-depth. This is primarily intended to provide minimal restraint and erection stability.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

 

[SteelPE]

Is there any reference as to the connection being in the top 1/2 of the beam? I thought there was.

I have a W18x35 where due to existing conditions the first bolts is going to have to be 6" down from the top flange of the beam. I thought there I remembered seeing a provision that said this was acceptable. Maybe not. I do plan on using a 3 bolt connection with 12" long angles (greater than d/2).

 

[slickdeals]

Maybe it had anything to do with bracing the compression flange during erection that the beam had to be in the top half. Just a SWAG (Scientific Wild Ass Guess)

 

[connectegr]

There is not a requirement that the connection be located in the upper half. With OSHA connections the angles are frequently offset, so that a row of bolts is not shared.

For example, in one connection the first line of bolts is 3" from top of steel. And the connection framing opposite, the first line of bolts is at 6". With equal depth connections one row is unshared at the top and the opposite is unshared at the bottom. For a W18 with 12" angle the lower connection would fall primarily below the centerline.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

 

[nutte]

This recommendation (not requirement) is on page 4-12 of the green ASD 9th edition Manual.

 

[connectegr]

If the connection is axially loaded, then additional consideration may be needed, concerning the location of the connection in relation to the centerline.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com