Expressed connections

From SteelConstruction.info

Various generic forms of connection may be used in steel frames. These include: 

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NEO Bankside, London


Connection detailing depends on the forces and moments to be transferred, and on the chosen member sizes. However, some common detailing rules apply, which are discussed below, in order to gain an appreciation of the form of connections in regular frames.

[top]Conventional connection types

Main articles: Braced frames, Continuous frames, Simple connections, Moment resisting connections 

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Example of a notched beam to beam fin plate connection for equal depth cellular beams

Partial depth end plates have an end plate welded only to the beam web. Flush end plate connections that are welded to the flanges and web of the beam are commonly used as nominally pinned connections, although they do possess some bending resistance. Normally the end plate is 10 mm to 12 mm thick for use with M 20 bolts. When used as moment connections, the end plate is thicker, typically 15 – 20 mm, and is extended above the top flange to allow for an additional row of bolts to located outside the flange. Fin plates are simple rectangular plates, typically 10 mm thick, welded to the supporting member. The supported beams are simply cut and drilled (and notched if the support is a beam).

For connections to Square Hollow sections (SHS), a form of expansion bolt connection may be used that forms a connection by expanding into the space behind the face of the section. However, the diameter of the expansion part of the bolts is up to twice that of the bolt diameter and so the spacing between the bolt holes has to be increased compared to normal bolts. Alternatively, proprietary 'blind' fixings may be used.

[top]Tubular connections

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Featured fin plate attachment to a tubular chord in a long span truss

Connections between tubular sections are often exposed and may take various forms:

  • Beam-to-column connections that are usually bolted
  • In-line connections that may be bolted or welded. In-line connections often occur in long members that require splicing for transportation.
  • Tubular sections with welded fins
  • Inclined connections such as inclined bracing to horizontal chords. These are usually welded.


The chords and bracing in a truss or lattice girder are often welded. 

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Welded profiled connection between tubular sections in a W-shaped roof truss


Where square hollow sections (SHS) are used then the ends of the SHS are cut to the required angle and fillet welded to the face of the SHS chords. Where circular hollow sections (CHS) are used then the ends of the incoming CHS inclined members have to be cut to form the precise shape around the chords. This is known as profiling which is a specialist process.

The figure shows the use of a shaped fin plate to provide more visual appeal to an otherwise simple connection between the top chord and bracing of a deep truss. 

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In-line connections between tubular sections

In-line connections are usually made by bolting, either by a flange plate with typically 4, 6 or 8 bolts (figure b), or a splice plate (figure c), or an end plate (figure d), which can be concealed behind a cover plate. Various examples of these connections are shown below.

A profiled cover plate may be provided so that the connection is not visible, as shown below.


[top]Tie connections

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Multiple connections using stainless steel tie rods

Connections between ties that act in tension take two forms:

  • Couplers which require that the rods are threaded in opposite directions so that the coupler can be tightened.
  • Pins which may be welded to the rods or provided with threads. The pin is normally connected to a fin plate that is welded to another member.


Rods and couplers are often stainless steel if exposed externally. Good examples of stainless steel tie rods used in the external façade of the Helsinki Sanomat building are shown. Where multiple connections between tie rods are required, special castings or fabricated nodes are necessary.

Rods may be connected by various types of cast and formed nodes. The detail shown is supported from above by a threaded rod and the horizontal nodes allow for articulation in two directions.

Sanomat Building, Helsinki

[top]Further reading

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