Failed Connections (topic)

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topics | ways to get connections

Why do connections fail?

  • 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 , a minimum setup connection is checked 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 use larger or heavier materials or 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 connection "fails," 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?

 Beam web shear capacity failed
  • Another way to tell if a connection has failed is to choose Process > Search > Failed Connections ( ) while in Modeling . Search will open a selection list of all members with failed connections. Double-clicking any member on the list automatically opens that member's edit window. After you close that member's edit window, the selection list opens again, so that you can review/edit another member.
  • Yet 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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What can I do to fix a failed connection?

  • Probably the first thing that you should do is attempt to make changes to " Connection specification " settings and/or connection component settings, including connection design locks and " End preparations " settings. You can access all of these settings on the connection's member edit window. Most of these are also available on the Connection Component Edit window. The " Connection specification " settings can only be accessed on the member edit window.
  • You can try to get connection design to generate a connection by changing Job Options and Fabricator Options , then Model > Member > Mark for Processing the members whose connections you want redesigned, then Process > Process and Create Solids .
  • If the connection failure message on the edit window indicates a geometry problem that has to do with the placement of the work points, you may be able fix this problem by changing the " End elevation " of the member. If that doesn't work, you may be able use Move/Stretch Members or Move/Stretch Members, Include Material to repair the problem. Or you may have to Model > Member > Erase the connecting members, then Model > Member > Add them again with redefined work points.
  • Other strategies for getting a connection are to create a graphical connection , or to force a connection. Make sure that any such connections that you design are approved by a qualified designer before the drawings are sent to the fabrication shop.
  • You 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 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.

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