01 / BEAM
Beam-to-Column Connections
Design support for connections between beams and columns, including shear and moment connection conditions as applicable to the structural system.
Structural Steel Engineering
Connection Design & Engineering Services
Structural steel connection design and engineering support for beams, columns, bracing, base plates and other steel connection conditions — developed with structural behavior, constructability and detailing requirements in mind.
Connection Engineering Capabilities
Steel Connection Design Built Around the Structural System
Steel connections transfer forces between structural members and form a critical part of the overall load path. Connection design requires consideration of member forces, connection geometry, materials, fasteners, welds, constructability and applicable project requirements.
02 / SHEAR
Shear Connections
Connection design support for transferring applicable shear forces between structural members using suitable bolted or welded connection configurations.
03 / MOMENT
Moment Connections
Engineering support for moment-resisting connections where rotational stiffness and moment transfer are required by the structural system.
04 / BASE
Column Base Connections
Base plate and column-base connection design support considering applicable axial, shear and moment requirements.
05 / BRACING
Bracing Connections
Connection design for structural bracing systems, gusset plates and associated member interfaces.
06 / SPLICE
Beam & Column Splices
Design support for field and shop splice conditions used to connect structural steel members.
07 / PLATES
Plate Connections
Engineering support for connection plates, stiffeners, continuity components and related steel connection details.
08 / WELDED
Welded Connections
Design support for applicable welded connection configurations and associated connection components.
09 / BOLTED
Bolted Connections
Engineering support for bolted connection arrangements, fastener requirements and related connection components.
Connection Engineering
Engineering Connections With Detailing & Fabrication in Mind
A connection is not an isolated component. It must work with the connected members, structural system, fabrication process and erection sequence. A coordinated engineering and detailing workflow helps maintain consistency from design information through fabrication documentation.
- Review of connection forces and design requirements
- Connection geometry and component selection
- Bolted and welded connection configurations
- Base plates, gussets and connection plates
- Coordination with structural steel detailing
- Engineering documentation according to project scope
Connection Types
Common Structural Steel Connection Conditions
Connection requirements depend on the structural system, loading, member sizes, materials, applicable design standards and project-specific engineering criteria.
Simple Shear Connections
Connections intended to transfer applicable shear forces while accommodating the required structural behavior and construction conditions.
Moment-Resisting Connections
Connections designed for applicable moment and shear demands where rotational resistance is required by the structural frame.
Column Base Plates
Column-to-foundation connection components including base plates and associated anchorage requirements.
Bracing & Gusset Connections
Connections between braces and structural framing, including gusset plates and related components.
Beam & Column Splices
Splice connections used to join structural steel members where required by transportation, erection or structural conditions.
Specialty Connections
Project-specific connection conditions requiring detailed engineering evaluation and coordination.
Engineering Considerations
What Goes Into a Steel Connection Design?
Connection design involves more than selecting bolts or plates. The complete connection must be evaluated in the context of the structural system and applicable project requirements.
Design Forces
Applicable axial, shear, moment and other connection
force requirements.
Member Geometry
Connected member sizes, orientations, thicknesses
and available connection space.
Materials
Steel grades, plate materials, bolts, welds and
other connection components.
Constructability
Fabrication, access, erection and practical
installation considerations.
Bolting
Applicable bolt type, quantity, arrangement and
connection requirements.
Welding
Applicable weld configuration and project-specific
welding requirements.
Stability
Connection behavior and applicable limit states
within the structural system.
Standards
Applicable codes, specifications and project
engineering criteria.
Connection Design Workflow
From Structural Forces to Coordinated Connection Details
A structured workflow helps connect engineering analysis, connection design, detailing and final documentation.
01 / REVIEW
Project Review
Review structural drawings, models, specifications, design criteria and available connection information.
02 / FORCES
Design Forces
Establish applicable connection forces and loading requirements from the approved engineering information.
03 / DESIGN
Connection Design
Develop suitable connection geometry and evaluate applicable design requirements.
04 / DETAIL
Detail & Coordinate
Coordinate the connection with members, models and fabrication documentation.
05 / DELIVER
Final Documentation
Provide agreed engineering and connection documentation for project use.
Engineering Documentation
Connection Design That Translates Into Practical Details
Connection engineering becomes valuable when the design information can be communicated clearly to the teams responsible for detailing, fabrication and erection.
Coordinated Connection Documentation
Connection documentation may include design information, calculations, connection details, member interfaces, bolt and weld requirements, plate information and supporting technical documentation according to the project scope.
The connection design should remain coordinated with the structural model and downstream steel detailing workflow.
Project Applications
Connection Engineering for Different Structural Systems
Connection requirements change according to building type, structural system, loading conditions and construction methodology.
Commercial Buildings
Steel framing and connection systems for commercial
structures.
Industrial Facilities
Complex steel framing, platforms and industrial
structural systems.
Warehouses
Steel framing, bracing and connection requirements.
Structural Frames
Beam, column, brace and frame connection systems.
Multi-Story Steel
Connection requirements for multi-level steel
framing systems.
Equipment Supports
Steel support framing and project-specific
connection conditions.
Platforms & Access
Connection engineering for platforms, stairs and
related steel systems.
Specialty Structures
Custom structural systems requiring project-specific
connection engineering.
BIM & Connection Coordination
Connection Design Within a 3D Structural Workflow
Three-dimensional structural models can help project teams visualize connection geometry and coordinate member interfaces before fabrication and erection.
Connecting Engineering With Steel Detailing
When connection design and structural detailing are coordinated within the same digital workflow, project teams can review member interfaces, connection geometry and fabrication requirements more efficiently.
- 3D connection visualization
- Member interface coordination
- Connection geometry review
- Fabrication documentation coordination
- Structural model integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Connection Design & Engineering FAQ
What is structural steel connection design?
Structural steel connection design is the engineering process of developing and evaluating the interfaces between steel members so applicable forces can be transferred through the structural system.
What types of steel connections can be designed?
Depending on project requirements, connection design may include shear connections, moment connections, beam and column splices, base plates, bracing connections, gusset plates and other specialty connection conditions.
What is the difference between connection design and connection detailing?
Connection design determines the engineering requirements and configuration of the connection, while connection detailing communicates the designed connection through detailed fabrication and construction documentation.
Can connection design be coordinated with steel detailing?
Yes. Coordinating connection engineering with steel detailing helps maintain consistency between structural design information, connection geometry, 3D models and fabrication documentation.
What information is required for connection design?
Typical inputs may include structural drawings, member information, connection forces, specifications, design criteria, project standards and available structural models.
Connection Engineering
Need Structural Steel Connection Design?
Share your structural drawings, connection requirements and available project information to discuss the appropriate connection design and engineering workflow.