Steel Buildings in Europe Verification Problem Example
Partial Depth End Plate – Beam to Beam Left Beam Connection

Problem Statement

This document presents a comparative study between the published Joints in Steel Construction: Simple Joints to Eurocode 3 and the results generated by SDS2 version 2025.01 connection software for the left beam connection of Example 1 – Partial depth end plate – Beam to beam. The central problem statement is to verify the available strength of an end plate connection between a beam and a supporting beam web. This connection involves a 406x178x74 UKB beam and a 610x229x140 UB supporting beam. Shear reaction on the beam to end plate connection is 340kN with both beams using Grade S275 steel. The connection uses M20 8.8 bolts and grade S275 steel for the end plate. The connection detail is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Example 1 – Partial Depth End Plate – Beam to Beam

Connection design report output from SDS2 for this connection:

• Eurocode 3 UK.pdf

Note: To view the 3D model (U3D) of the structural joint in the PDF files, open the PDF using Bluebeam or Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Validation Method

The connection as shown in the Simple Joints to Eurocode 3, section 4.6, page 32, Example 1 – Partial depth end plate – Beam to beam (see reference 1) was modeled in SDS2 and a connection design report was generated.

The core of this report features a comparison table for each connection limit state, displaying the calculated capacities from both SDS2 and the cited document. The order of the limit state table generally mirrors the sequence in which it was presented in the Simple Joints to Eurocode 3 example problem. This table also highlights the percent difference (% Δ) between these calculated values, providing a clear measure of any discrepancy, if any.

To further enhance understanding, this report includes relevant notes that discuss any differences or assumptions made during the calculation process. This comparative study's goal is to evaluate the precision and efficiency of the SDS2 connection design software in contrast to the published Eurocode 3 UK design example and serves as a guide for better understanding and application of these design calculations.

Comparison

A comparison of the limit state checks is presented in Table 1. The limit state checks, and calculated values aligned well between the published Eurocode 3 UK design example document and the calculation generated by SDS2. The minor differences in calculated values, except where noted, were a result of rounding differences.

Other minor differences are discussed in the comparison table notes.

Table 1. Capacity comparison table for Eurocode 3 UK
.	SDS2 Capacity	SCI Capacity	%Δ	Notes
Supported beam-web shear	393.7 kN	394.0 kN	-0.1%
Supported beam-resistance at notch	72.9 kN-m	85.1 kN-m	-16.7%	1
Supported beam-local stability of notched beam			-	2
Connection-bolt shear	94.0 kN / bolt	94.0 kN / bolt	0.0%
Connection-bearing on plate	601.6 kN	602.0 kN	-0.1%
Connection-bearing on support	601.6 kN			3
Connection-gross shear yielding	725.1 kN	725.0 kN	0.0%
Connection-net shear rupture	869.4 kN	869.0 kN	0.0%
Connection-block tearing	691.0 kN	691.0 kN	0.0%
Supporting member-shear	741.6 kN	742.0 kN	-0.1%	4

Table Notes

Note 1: When calculating the I_xx value for the beam at the critical section (end of the cope), SDS2 uses the reduced flange width of the bottom flange because it is cut narrower. Simple Joints to Eurocode 3 uses the full width of the bottom flange.

Note 2: These checks are performed in both SDS2 and Simple Joints to Eurocode 3, but no capacity is calculated.

Note 3: Simple Joints to Eurocode 3 performs this check as a part of the supporting beam shear and bearing check (“Supporting member-shear"). SDS2 checks this limit state independently.

Note 4: SDS2 includes the long joint effects from section 3.8 of BS EN 1993-1-8_2005, equation 3.5. Simple Joints to Eurocode 3 does not include this effect.

References

1. Joints in Steel Construction: Simple Joints to Eurocode 3, Publication P358, The Steel Construction Institute & The British Constructional Steelwork Association Limited. 2014