Steel Buildings in Europe Verification Problem Example
Fin Plates – Beam to Column Web – Tying Resistance

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 Example 2 – Fin plates – Beam to column web – Tying resistance. The central problem statement is to verify the available tying resistance of a fin plate connection between a beam and a column web. This connection involves a 406x178x74 UKB beam and a 305x305x137 UKC supporting column. Tying reaction on the beam to fin plate connection is 175kN with both the beam and the column using Grade S275 steel. The connection uses M20 8.8 bolts and grade S275 steel for the fin plate. The connection detail is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Example 2 – Fin plate – Beam to column

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 5.6 page 152, Example 2 – Fin plates – Beam to column – Tying resistance (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 Eurocode 3 UK. 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
Limit state fin plate tying check	SDS2 Capacity	SCI Capacity	%Δ	Notes
Structural integrity-connection block shear	660.3 kN	661.0 kN	-0.1%	1
Structural integrity-connection gross/net tension	677.6 kN	678.0 kN	-0.1%
Structural integrity-bolt shear	427.3 kN	428.0 kN	-0.2%
Structural integrity-connection bolt bearing	563.6 kN	560.0 kN	0.6%	2
Structural integrity-web block shear	597.4 kN	597.0 kN	0.1%	1
Structural integrity-beam web tension rupture	643.7 kN	644.0 kN	0.0%
Structural integrity-bolt bearing on beam web	429.2 kN	432.0 kN	-0.7%	2
Tying resistance-Supporting column web	411.7 kN	412.0 kN	-0.1%

Table Notes

Note 1: SDS2 checks both a ‘C’ shaped and ‘L’ shaped tearout pattern when calculating the block shear capacity. Simple Joints to Eurocode only checks the ‘C’ shaped pattern. The Value shown in the table for the SDS2 capacity is for the ‘C’ shaped pattern. The capacity of the ‘L’ shaped pattern is more conservative.

Note 2: SDS2 limits the bolt bearing capacity to the bolt shear capacity. Simple Joints to Eurocode does not. The capacity shown for the SDS2 capacity is the bearing capacity only.

References

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