Steel Buildings in Europe Verification Problem Example
Full Depth End Plate – Beam to Column

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 1 – Full depth end plate – Beam to column. The central problem statement is to verify the available strength of a full depth end plate connection between a beam and a column web. This connection involves a 406x178x74 UKB beam and a 305x305x137 UKC column. Shear reaction on the beam to column connection is 400kN with both the beam and column 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 – Full Depth End 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 4.8, page 97, Example 1 – Full depth end plate – Beam to column (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
Limit state on End Plate Connection	SDS2 Capacity	SCI Capacity	%Δ	Notes
Supported beam-web shear	664.5 kN	664.0 kN	0.1%
Connection-bolt shear	601.6 kN	601.6 kN	0.0%
Connection-bearing on plate	601.6 kN	602.0 kN	-0.1%
Connection-bearing on support	601.6 kN			1
Supporting member-shear	1499.1 kN	1498.0 kN	0.1%
Tying resistance-plate and bolts	511.5 kN	517.0 kN	-1.1%
Tying resistance-supported beam web	1348.4 kN	1348.0 kN	0.0%
Tying resistance-flange welds	586.9 kN	586.0 kN	0.0%
Tying resistance-Supporting column web	405.4 kN	404.0 kN	0.35 %

Table Notes

Note 1: This check was not shown in Example 1 Full depth end plate – Beam to column in Simple Joints to Eurocode 3.

References

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