Steel Connections

Steel Connections

Description
Description

Steel connections are used to join two or more steel members together to form a stable and secure structure. The most common types of steel connections are bolted connections, welded connections, and riveted connections. Bolted connections are the most economical type of connection, but they are also the weakest. Welded connections are the strongest type of connection, but they are also the most expensive. Riveted connections are a hybrid of bolted and welded connections, and they offer a good balance of strength and cost.

The first steel connections were made using rivets. Rivets are metal pins that are inserted through holes in two pieces of steel and then hammered on the other side to create a tight joint. Riveted connections were strong and durable, but they were also time-consuming and labor-intensive to install. In the early 20th century, a new type of steel connection called the welded connection was developed. Welded connections are made by melting the edges of two pieces of steel together and then fusing them together. Welded connections are stronger than riveted connections and they can be installed more quickly. Today, most steel connections are made using welded connections.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is the strongest type of weld?

The strongest type of weld is generally considered to be TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). TIG welding produces a very clean and precise weld, and the slow cooling rate that follows results in high tensile strength and ductility. MIG welding is also a strong candidate for the strongest type of weld because it can create a strong joint. However, the strength of a weld depends on a number of factors, including the material being welded, the skill of the welder, and the type of weld joint.

What is the difference between pinned and fixed steel connection?

The main difference between a pinned and fixed steel connection is the ability to resist rotation. A pinned connection allows for free rotation between the connected members, while a fixed connection prevents rotation. Pinned connections are typically used in situations where flexibility is desired, such as in bridges and buildings that are designed to sway in the wind. Fixed connections are typically used in situations where stiffness is desired, such as in buildings that need to be able to withstand strong earthquakes.

What skills does a welder need?

To be a welder, you need to have good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and be able to follow instructions. Welding is a skilled trade that requires a lot of practice and attention to detail. If you are interested in becoming a welder, there are many apprenticeship programs and trade schools that can teach you the skills you need.

* Under Development *

.47”-1.18” | 12-30 mm (Plate)
5.1”-20.4” | 13-51.8 cm
5.1”-20.4” | 13-51.8 cm
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Inner Bolts
3.000
51.800
51.800
250
https://p3d.in/e/RGGcS
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Inner BoltsView of Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection in 3D available for downloadView of Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection in 3D available for download
.47”-1.18” | 12-30 mm (Plate)
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Outer Bolts
3.000
76.600
76.600
250
https://p3d.in/e/F8MVM
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Outer BoltsPerspective view of a 3D model of Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel ConnectionPerspective view of a 3D model of Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection
1.93”-6.85” | 4.9-17.4 cm
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Stiffeners
17.400
76.600
76.600
245
https://p3d.in/e/jGtfq
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Stiffeners3D model of Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connection viewed in perspective3D model of Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connection viewed in perspective
1.5”-4.9” | 3.9-12.5 cm
1.5”-4.9” | 3.9-12.5 cm
2.5”-10” | 6.4-25.4 cm
Steel Connection - Cleat, Flange
12.500
12.500
25.400
10
https://p3d.in/e/1oRFZ
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Cleat, FlangePerspective view of a 3D model of Flange Cleat Steel ConnectionPerspective view of a 3D model of Flange Cleat Steel Connection
2.5”-10” | 6.4-25.4 cm
1.5”-4.9” | 3.9-12.5 cm
1.5”-4.9” | 3.9-12.5 cm
Steel Connection - Cleat, Web
25.400
12.500
12.500
20
https://p3d.in/e/sCdXJ
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Cleat, Web3D model of Web Cleat Steel Connection viewed in perspective3D model of Web Cleat Steel Connection viewed in perspective
7.5”-21.1” | 19-53.6 cm
4.1”-12.2” | 10.3-31 cm
.35”-.87” | 9-22 mm (Plate)
Steel Connection - End Plate
53.600
31.000
2.200
50
https://p3d.in/e/QorIo
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - End PlateView of End Plate Steel Connection in 3D available for downloadView of End Plate Steel Connection in 3D available for download
9.7”-26.1” | 24.6-66.4 cm
6.1”-13” | 15.4-33 cm
4.1”-12.2” | 10.3-31 cm
Steel Connection - End Plate, Extended
66.400
33.000
31.000
20
https://p3d.in/e/l4PRu
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - End Plate, ExtendedPerspective view of a 3D model of Extended End Plate Steel ConnectionPerspective view of a 3D model of Extended End Plate Steel Connection
3.7”-10.63” | 9.4-27 cm
5.1”-15.3” | 13-38.9 cm
5.1”-15.3” | 13-38.9 cm
Steel Connection - Pin & Hinge, Cut End
27.000
38.900
38.900
50
https://p3d.in/e/XQao2
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Pin & Hinge, Cut EndView of Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connection in 3D available for downloadView of Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connection in 3D available for download
2.72”-7.64” | 6.9-19.4 cm
5.1”-15.3” | 13-38.9 cm
5.1”-15.3” | 13-38.9 cm
Steel Connection - Pin & Hinge, Rounded End
19.400
38.900
38.900
50
https://p3d.in/e/0wa68
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Pin & Hinge, Rounded EndView of Rounded End Pin & Hinge Steel Connection in 3D available for downloadView of Rounded End Pin & Hinge Steel Connection in 3D available for download
.35”-.87” | 9-22 mm (Plate)
3.7”-12.25” | 9.4-31.1 cm
3.35”-10.5” | 8.5-26.6 cm
Steel Connection - Plate, Flange
2.200
31.100
36.600
700
https://p3d.in/e/rLoc6
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Plate, FlangePerspective view of a 3D model of Flange Plate Steel ConnectionPerspective view of a 3D model of Flange Plate Steel Connection
12.8”-43.3” | 32.6-110 cm
21.6”-75.6” | 54.8-192 cm
.35”-.87” | 9-22 mm (Plate)
Steel Connection - Plate, Gusset
110.000
192.000
2.200
5300
https://p3d.in/e/WU9Xs
GUIDE
3D
Steel Connection - Plate, Gusset3D model of Gusset Plate Steel Connection viewed in perspective3D model of Gusset Plate Steel Connection viewed in perspective
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Stiffeners
Comparison drawing of Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connection compared to similar steel connections

A stiffener base plate steel connection is a type of connection used in structural steel construction. It consists of a base plate, which is a large metal plate that is welded to the bottom of a column, and stiffeners, which are smaller metal plates that are welded to the base plate. The stiffeners help to increase the stiffness of the base plate and prevent it from buckling under load. This type of connection is often used in tall buildings and other structures that are subjected to high loads.

Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 7.56”-30.16” (19.2-76.6 cm), overall heights from 1.93”-6.85” (4.9-17.4 cm), and plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connection in front and side views
A stiffener base plate steel connection is a type of connection used in structural steel construction. It consists of a base plate, which is a large metal plate that is welded to the bottom of a column, and stiffeners, which are smaller metal plates that are welded to the base plate.

Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 7.56”-30.16” (19.2-76.6 cm), overall heights from 1.93”-6.85” (4.9-17.4 cm), and plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connection in front and side views
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Stiffeners
Height:
1.93”-6.85” | 4.9-17.4 cm
Width:
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
Length:
Depth:
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
Weight:
Area:

Thickness: .47”-1.18” | 12-30 mm

Materials
Structural Steel

Drawings include:

Stiffener Base Plate Steel Connection elevations (various sizes)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Steel Connection - Base Plate, Inner Bolts
Scale illustration of Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection compared to other steel connections

A base plate steel connection is a type of steel connection that uses a base plate to transfer loads from a steel column to a concrete foundation. The base plate is a thick steel plate that is welded to the bottom of the column. The base plate is then bolted to the concrete foundation with high-strength bolts. Base plate steel connections are commonly used in high-rise buildings and other structures that require a strong and rigid connection between the columns and the foundation.

Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 5.1”-20.4” (13-51.8 cm) and typical plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection seen in elevations
A base plate steel connection is a type of steel connection that uses a base plate to transfer loads from a steel column to a concrete foundation. The base plate is a thick steel plate that is welded to the bottom of the column. The base plate is then bolted to the concrete foundation.

Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 5.1”-20.4” (13-51.8 cm) and typical plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection seen in elevations
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Inner Bolts
Height:
.47”-1.18” | 12-30 mm (Plate)
Width:
5.1”-20.4” | 13-51.8 cm
Length:
Depth:
5.1”-20.4” | 13-51.8 cm
Weight:
Area:
Materials
Structural Steel

Drawings include:

Inner Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection elevations (various sizes)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Steel Connection - Base Plate, Outer Bolts
Style and size comparison drawing of Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection compared to other steel connection types

A base plate steel connection with outer bolts is a type of connection that uses bolts located on the perimeter of the column to transfer forces from the column to the foundation. The base plate is a thick steel plate that is welded to the bottom of the column. The base plate is then bolted to the foundation using a series of anchor bolts. The anchor bolts are typically located on the perimeter of the base plate, outside of the column. This type of connection is commonly used in high-rise buildings and other structures where high loads need to be transferred from the columns to the foundation.

Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 7.56”-30.16” (19.2-76.6 cm) and typical plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection viewed from the front and side
A base plate steel connection with outer bolts is a type of connection that uses bolts located on the perimeter of the column to transfer forces from the column to the foundation. The base plate is a thick steel plate that is welded to the bottom of the column.

Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 7.56”-30.16” (19.2-76.6 cm) and typical plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection viewed from the front and side
Steel Connection - Base Plate, Outer Bolts
Height:
.47”-1.18” | 12-30 mm (Plate)
Width:
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
Length:
Depth:
7.56”-30.16” | 19.2-76.6 cm
Weight:
Area:
Materials
Structural Steel

Drawings include:

Outer Bolt Base Plate Steel Connection elevations (various sizes)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Steel Connection - Pin & Hinge, Cut End
Scale illustration of Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connections compared to other steel connections

A pin and hinge steel column connection with a flat end is a type of connection that allows for rotation at the joint. The connection is made up of a pin, which is a cylindrical piece of metal that fits through holes in the column and beam, and a hinge, which is a metal plate that is welded to the column and beam. The pin and hinge allow the column and beam to rotate freely, while still transferring vertical and horizontal forces between the two members. The flat end of the column is cut to a specific angle, which allows the pin and hinge to fit snugly into the column and beam.

Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 5.1”-15.3” (13-38.9 cm), overall heights from 3.7”-10.63” (9.4-27 cm), and plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Series of dimensioned illustrations of Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connections seen in elevations
A pin and hinge steel column connection with a flat end is a type of connection that allows for rotation at the joint. The connection is made up of a pin, which is a cylindrical piece of metal that fits through holes in the column and beam, and a hinge, which is a metal plate that is welded.

Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths and depths between 5.1”-15.3” (13-38.9 cm), overall heights from 3.7”-10.63” (9.4-27 cm), and plate thicknesses between .47”-1.18” (12-30 mm).

Series of dimensioned illustrations of Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connections seen in elevations
Steel Connection - Pin & Hinge, Cut End
Height:
3.7”-10.63” | 9.4-27 cm
Width:
5.1”-15.3” | 13-38.9 cm
Length:
Depth:
5.1”-15.3” | 13-38.9 cm
Weight:
Area:

Thickness: .47”-1.18” | 12-30 mm

Materials
Structural Steel

Drawings include:

Cut End Pin & Hinge Steel Connection elevations (various sizes)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Steel Connection - Cleat, Web
Comparison drawing of Web Cleat Steel Connection compared to similar steel connections

A web cleat steel connection is a type of connection that uses an L-shaped steel plate, called a cleat, to connect the web of a beam to the flange of a column. The cleat is typically made of high-strength steel and is bolted or welded to the beam and column. Web cleat connections are used to transfer shear forces and bending moments between the beam and column. They are a simple and effective way to connect beams and columns, and they are often used in steel buildings.

Web Cleat Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths between 1.5”-4.9” (3.9-12.5 cm), depths of 1.5”-4.9” (3.9-12.5 cm), and an overall height of 2.5”-10” (6.4-25.4 cm). Plate thicknesses are commonly between .35”-.87” (9-22 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of Web Cleat Steel Connection in front and side views
A web cleat steel connection is a type of connection that uses an L-shaped steel plate, called a cleat, to connect the web of a beam to the flange of a column. The cleat is typically made of high-strength steel and is bolted or welded to the beam and column.

Web Cleat Steel Connections are available in a range of sizes with plate widths between 1.5”-4.9” (3.9-12.5 cm), depths of 1.5”-4.9” (3.9-12.5 cm), and an overall height of 2.5”-10” (6.4-25.4 cm). Plate thicknesses are commonly between .35”-.87” (9-22 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of Web Cleat Steel Connection in front and side views
Steel Connection - Cleat, Web
Height:
2.5”-10” | 6.4-25.4 cm
Width:
1.5”-4.9” | 3.9-12.5 cm
Length:
Depth:
1.5”-4.9” | 3.9-12.5 cm
Weight:
Area:

Thickness: .35”-.87” | 9-22 mm

Materials
Structural Steel

Drawings include:

Web Cleat Steel Connection elevations, plan (various sizes)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads