Shear connection – get the best of it!

There are many types of shear connections all around us, but actually, what do we need them for? How to design them effectively and in accordance with national codes? Take a look at our grand shear connection overview.

Generally speaking, the shear connection is a joint that doesn't allow the transfer of a bending moment between two structural members or from the structure to the foundation. The aim is to ensure free rotation in the node. Such connections do not provide rigidity in comparison to the moment connections. In the global analysis model, the node is declared as a pin.

Shear connections can be found in almost every structure, but their typical use is in braced frames, floor, and roof beams.

The most common shear connection (not only in North America) is a single plate connection consisting of a plate fillet welded to a supporting column or girder and bolted to the web of a simply supported beam.

When comparing to the moment connections, shear connections are simple to fabricate, simple to erect, and are significantly cheaper.

Shear connection types and classifications

Acc. to the usage:

Framed – connecting beams, web-to-web, directly

IDEA StatiCa Connection has pre-prepared templates for all mentioned connection types and offers the possibility to create user-defined templates just according to your needs. Thanks to this, you can save a lot of time when designing such connections from scratch.

In the analytical model, a shear connection is declared as a pin and its position is at the intersection of the beam axes. However, the shear loads from the beam are actually transferred via the connector. So in reality, the shear forces are acting in bolts.

The location of the load effect has a big influence on the correct design of the connection. When modeling hinged connections, it is necessary to change the position of the acting load into the place where the hinge is assumed (where the zero bending moment is). To avoid all misunderstandings, we allow the user to select from three options – Node / Bolts / Position.

There is always a huge number of possibilities of how to design a particular connection, but the experience helps us to choose the correct one. One great feature that can help you with the choice of the most appropriate and effective design is the Production cost calculator built-in in the app, which shows you immediately how the design changes influence the price.

There are many ways and tools for the calculation and assessment of the specific shear connection type. You can find many applications which provide code-checks for particular connection arrangements. But if you want to assess literally any of them, the list of your options narrows. If your connection isn’t part of separated members only and is embedded in spatial structure with other members connected, you have only two options left:

2) The second option is to use the IDEA StatiCa Connection application. In this case, you have no limitations in modeling and analyses. In a few minutes, you prepare the bolt, weld, and stress-strain checks right according to the selected design code.

Shear connection – get the best of it!

Shear connection types and classifications

Acc. to the usage:

Acc. to the connection elements:

Acc. to the typology:

Position of the loads

Cost optimization

Calculation and assessment