Project 2 - Review of Shear, Moment & Splice connections in StaadPro Connection Module

1. Structural Model in STAAD.Pro

Geometry

• 2D portal frame

• Span = 15 m

• Eave height = 11.5 m

• Ridge height = 12 m (pitched roof)

• Fixed supports at base

• Splice location:

  • Columns: 6 m from base

  • Beams: 3 m from beam-column joint

• Hanger beam (4 m height) connected to column 3 m from beam-column joint

Loading

• UDL of 10 kN/m on roof beams

• Hanger beam:

  • 5 kN/m vertical load

  • 5 kN horizontal load at end

• Bracing from hanger end to eave (assume tension-only member)

Analysis Settings

• Design for 85% utilization

• Material: Structural steel (assume ASTM A992 or IS standard equivalent)

• Perform load combinations as per code (ASD/LRFD or IS 800:2007)

2. Member Optimization in STAAD.Pro

Use the Steel Design tab:

• Design code: AISC 360-16 (for RAM/STAAD Connection compatibility)

• Member optimization enabled

• Set utilization ratio to 0.85

Typical Optimized Sizes (Example)

• Columns: W310×60

• Rafters: W250×44

• Hanger Beam: W200×30

3. Connection Design in STAAD Connection

Shear Connection

• Beam to column web (hanger beam): Bolted single plate (shear tab)

• Use pre-defined shear connection template, specify plate thickness and bolt details

Moment Connection

• Beam to column flange: End plate or bolted flange plate moment connection

• Ensure capacity matches moment demand from STAAD results

Splice Joint

• Column splice at 6 m: Bolted cover plate splice (flange + web)

• Beam splice at 3 m from joint: Bolted flange and web splice

• Use templates in STAAD Connection to auto-size splice plates and bolts

Export results to detailed connection reports from STAAD Connection.

4. Braced Connection in RAM Connection

For the hanger beam-to-eave bracing:

• Use US Standard Connections

• Define a Gusset Plate Connection

  • Connected between hanger beam end and eave

  • Consider vertical + horizontal components of brace force

• Optimize for axial tension and verify end and gusset plate adequacy

Typical Settings

• Brace: HSS or double angle

• Gusset: 10 mm thick, bolted

• Connection type: Braced Frame - Chevron or Single Diagonal

5. Reports and DXF Export

Generate the following:

• STAAD Connection Report:

  • Shear, Moment, Splice joint checks

  • Bolt and weld details

  • Member sizes and utilization

• RAM Connection Report:

  • Braced connection capacity

  • Plate size, bolt layout, gusset design

• DXF Drawings:

  • For each connection type (exportable from both software)

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Step 1: Generate STAAD Input File for 2D Portal Frame

• Span: 15 m

• Eaves height: 11.5 m

• Ridge height: 12 m (pitched roof)

• Fixed supports

• Hanger beam at 3 m from corner, 4 m drop

• UDL on roof = 10 kN/m

• Hanger beam loads = 5 kN/m vertical + 5 kN horizontal point load at end

• Splice joints marked (with dummy nodes at 6 m column height, 3 m beam length)

STAAD Frame Definition

• 2D Portal frame

• Span: 15 m

• Eave height: 11.5 m, Ridge height: 12 m (creates a pitched roof)

• Fixed supports at base

• ISMB sections (initial guess — will be optimized)

• Splice nodes:

  • Column: at 6 m from base

  • Beam: at 3 m from beam-column joint

Loadings

• Roof UDL: 10 kN/m (applied on inclined roof beams)

• Hanger beam:

  • Vertical UDL: 5 kN/m

  • Horizontal point load: 5 kN at free end

• Self-weight: Included

Design Parameters

• Code: IS 800:2007 (Limit State Design)

• Design for steel members with optimization

• Member utilization limit: 0.85 (custom optimization approach)

Joint	Type	Members	Notes

3

Moment Connection

2, 3, 7

Beam-to-column at ridge

9

Shear Connection

8, 9

Hanger beam to column

2

Splice (Column)

1, 2

6 m above base

4

Splice (Beam)

3, 4

3 m from beam-column

11

Braced Gusset

10

End of hanger beam