Steel Connections Design Groups (Pro)

Similar to the design group sets above, you can create groups of connections where each group will be designed to use the exact same connection layout for all joints in that group. Thus, connection fabrication costs can be kept to a minimum. The forces and moments from all the ultimate load cases for all the members within the group will be examined together and the optimum solution produced that suits all the criteria.

To define a connections design group:

1.Go to Design > Steel Connections Design Groups

2.Enter a group name in the drop list, for example, Eaves Joints along Grid Line A

3.From the connection type drop down list, select the appropriate connection type

4.Select the members to be included in this group

5.Add new groups as required

Note that all selected member ends in a group must have the same geometry and section sizes. You can also reduce the number of duplicate loadcase force sets by setting difference values.

Connection types include;

a)Moment : Beam to Column including eaves type

b)Moment : Beam to Beam including apex type

c)Moment : Base Plate

d)Moment : Beam, Column or Hollow Splices

e)Simple : Beam to Column Flexible End Plate, Fin Plate or Cleat

f)Simple : Beam to Beam Flexible End Plate, Fin Plate or Cleat