STEEL CONNECTIONS

The steel structures are constructed by properly connecting the available standard sections. The connections are an important part of steel structure and are designed more conventionally than any individual members. There is a discrepancy between the actual behaviour and the analysis of steel structure is large, therefore the connections are complex to analyse and design. When the structural member fails in case of overloading then there is a general practice to prefer the individual member rather than the connections, therefore this kind of practice affects many structural members. The cost of structural steel consists of major portion of connections and that is the reason primary importance should be given to the design of connections for safety and economy of structure.

The connections are generally provided in the following cases:

• When there is the requirement to cater the heavy load and long span then the built-up sections are to be provided. In this case, this section should be connected together to get a good section.
• In case of longer span, the length of standard section needs to be connected with other section. In this case to connect the multiple sections proper design of connections are important.
• The different members need to be connected at the end (for example secondary beams to be connected to primary beam, column, footings, etc).

The classification in the connections provided in the steel structure is as follows:

• Riveted connections
• Bolted connections
• Welded connections
• Pinned connections