Failed Connections
On this page :
- Why do connections fail?
- How can I tell if a connection has failed?
- How are failed connections fixed in a full-featured SDS2 program?
Also see :
- System connections (connection types that connection design can fail)
- Beam connection failure messages
- Column connection failure messages
- Horizontal brace connection failure messages
- Vertical brace connection failure messages
- Joist connection failure messages
topics | ways to get connections
Failed connections are system connections that failed the limit-state strength capacity testing that takes place during connection design .
When a connection undergoes connection design , the program first designs the minimum setup connection and checks it to see if it stands up to loading conditions and meets the design code standards associated with the " Connection design method ." If limit-state capacity testing demonstrates that the preliminary connection design does not stand up to the applied load, connection design may increase the number of bolt rows or bolt sizes or even change the connection type. If connection design reaches the maximum number of bolt rows or maximum bolt size or maximum connection material dimensions and the connection still is not safe, the program "fails" the connection, and the designed connection on the member is set to be a " Plain End ."
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How can I tell if a connection has failed?
When connection design fails a system connection , it generates a beam , column , horizontal brace , vertical brace or joist connection failure message on the edit window for that member type. The " Framing situations " checking phase of Process and Create Solids can also fail a connection. Shown below is a connection failure message for a beam:
| Beam web shear capacity failed |
Another way to tell if a connection has failed is to choose Process > Search > Failed Connections while in Modeling . The SDS2 review station opens a selection list of all members with failed connections. Double-clicking a member on the list automatically opens the member review window of that member. After reviewing that member window, you can double-click another member to review its window.
Another way to tell if a connection in the model has failed is to set Model > Status > Search > Failed connections to display members with failed connections in a color of your choice.
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How are failed connections fixed in a full-featured SDS2 program?
Users cannot fix failed connections while in an SDS2 review station . Fixing a failed connection must be done in a full-featured SDS2 program .
One method is to have the user of the full-featured SDS2 program make changes to " Connection specification " settings and/or connection component settings. The connection component settings can be found on the member window as well as the Connection Component Edit window.
Another way is to have the user of the full-featured SDS2 program change Job or Fabricator options, then Processing and Create Solids those members that user wants changed.
If the connection failure message on the edit window indicates a geometry problem, the user of a full-featured SDS2 program might have to Erase the connecting members, then Add them again with redefined work points.
Other strategies for getting a connection are to have the user of the full-featured SDS2 program create a graphical connection , or to force a connection. Make sure that any such connections are approved by a qualified designer BEFORE the drawings are sent to the fabrication shop.
The user of the full-featured SDS2 program can also sometimes get a connection by using stronger materials (for instance, you can change the " Section size " or " Steel grade "). This, of course, should only be done under the authority of a qualified structural designer.
Another fix is to have the user of the full-featured SDS2 program lower the " Tension Load ," " Shear Load ," " Moment Load " or " Compression Load ," on the member. Again, this should only be done under the authority of a qualified engineer.