Steelwork connection design
Connection design is where a steel frame becomes buildable or becomes a problem. The member sizes may be settled long before anyone looks at how the pieces actually join, and by then the practical constraints — access for bolting, plate thicknesses, weld sizes, erection sequence — are what decide whether the frame goes up smoothly.
Bebbington Engineering Studio designs structural steel connections, from simple shear connections through to moment and bracing connections, with fabrication and erection considered from the outset. This work draws directly on Carl's early career in steel fabrication and CAD detailing before moving into structural design.
Typical projects
- Simple beam-to-beam and beam-to-column shear connections
- Moment connections, including haunched and extended end plate arrangements
- Bracing and gusset plate connections
- Column bases and holding-down bolt arrangements
- Splices in beams and columns
- Connections into existing steelwork on alteration and strengthening projects
Who it is for
- Steelwork fabricators requiring connection design to support detailing
- Contractors procuring steel frames who need connection design covered
- Consultants and design teams needing specialist connection input alongside their frame design
- Clients altering an existing steel frame where new connections are required
What we typically need from you
- General arrangement drawings and member sizes
- Design forces at each connection — shear, axial, moment — or the analysis output they come from
- Steel grades, bolt grades and any fabrication or preference standards to be followed
- Erection constraints, access limitations and any preferred connection types
- Where connecting into existing steel, verified information on the existing sections and their condition
What you typically receive
- Connection design calculations for each connection type
- Connection sketches suitable for use by the fabricator's detailing team
- Clear statement of the assumed design forces and steel and bolt grades
- Responses to detailing queries arising from the issued connection design
Scope and limitations
- Connection design relies on the design forces supplied. Where forces are not provided, they must be agreed before design begins.
- Frame analysis, member design and stability design are separate services unless included in the appointment.
- Fabrication drawings, workshop detailing, weld procedures and inspection remain the fabricator's responsibility.
- Connections into existing steel depend on verified information about the existing structure.
Sending the general arrangement and the design forces together allows the scope and programme to be agreed quickly, and usually avoids a second round of queries.
Related representative experience
View all →
Commercial
4 Kingdom Street
Paddington, London
View project →
Commercial
Trinity Square
Gateshead
View project →
Industrial, Process & Energy
Etileno XXI Petrochemical Complex
Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico
View project →
The projects shown include experience gained by Carl Bebbington during his wider career, including work undertaken before the formation of Bebbington Engineering Studio Ltd.
Discuss your project.
Send a short description, drawings or photographs and Carl will respond directly.
Other services