Connection Design
Steel connections are crucial elements in the construction of strong and safe structures. Their design requires a combination of advanced engineering skills , precision in detail and compliance with structural codes. Each connection must be designed to ensure stability, durability and safety , taking into account the stresses to which it will be subjected. With particular attention to the quality of materials and assembly techniques, steel connections play a fundamental role in the construction of modern buildings and infrastructure .
The services offered by LetsDesigns:
Calculation of connections in compliance with the standards of the Technical Construction Regulations (DM 17 January 2018 + Applied Circular 21 January 2019) and in accordance with Eurocode 3 which includes:
SIMPLE CONNECTIONS
They are usually bolted connections used to connect profiles. This type of connection is designed to transfer axial and shear forces.
MOMENT CONNECTION
They are structural joints where beams and columns, are designed to transfer not only axial and shear forces, but also bending moment. This type of connection is essential when it is necessary to ensure the rigidity of the frame and prevent relative rotation between the connected elements
BASE PLATE CONNECTION
In this type of connection steel elements such as columns and beams are tied to the foundation through anchor bolts, which transfer forces from the upper structure to support base.
NON-STANDARD CONNECTIONS - CUSTOM SOLUTIONS
In the world of structural engineering, every project is unique, and standard solutions cannot always meet the specific needs of a building. When traditional steel connections are not enough, non-standard connections come into play, designed to meet specific safety, strength and design requirements.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING (FEM)
To ensure that non-standard connections are safe and structurally adequate, we use FEM (Finite Element Modelling), which analyzes the structural behavior by dividing the connection into smaller elements (mesh) to assess stresses and deformations under load. This approach allows for precise simulation of the performance of complex connections.
FEM can be applied to all steel connections, but for non-standard ones or those with very thin or perforated profiles, it is the only reliable method to obtain accurate results, given the impossibility of simplifying their behavior
ADVANTAGES OF FEM MODELING
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Precision: FEM modeling provides an extremely detailed and precise analysis of the behavior of connections under various loading conditions. It allows for better visualization and understanding of stress and deformation distributions, highlighting potential weak points that may not be visible with traditional calculation methods.
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Efficiency: By using FEM, it is possible to identify structural issues and optimize the design during the early stages of the project. This reduces the need for costly and complex modifications during construction, improves decision-making, and accelerates development timelines.
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Safety: FEM ensures that connections are designed to meet strict safety and strength standards, which is particularly important for non-standard or complex connections. This approach reduces the risk of structural failures and enhances the overall reliability of the construction.
