In the Steel Joint add-on, you can design the connections of members with composite cross-sections. Furthermore, you can perform joint design checks for almost all thin-walled cross-sections in the RFEM library.
Go to Explanatory VideoSteel Joint Design for Built-up and Thin-Walled Sections
![KB 001875 | AISC 341-22 Moment Frame Member Design in RFEM 6](/en/webimage/047794/3736755/im01.jpg?mw=512&hash=33697d419a0e8a96b738e8e2e97fae057743a108)
![KB 001761 | ...](/en/webimage/034236/3383734/Image_1.png?mw=512&hash=e291c1e4af5953551bde5d9d71f599f36ae2e3f7)
![KB 001767 | AISC 341-16 Moment Frame Member Design in RFEM 6](/en/webimage/034944/3400296/11.png?mw=512&hash=34cee10711e3f971f820be435910cf1365277cb9)
![KB 001768 | AISC 341-16 Moment Frame Connection Strength in RFEM 6](/en/webimage/034516/3391609/Result.png?mw=512&hash=f0621777339b8f63b334b9d11f44f77f58603014)
![Feature 002667 | Classification of Steel Joints by Stiffness](/en/webimage/043958/3624553/43958_EN.png?mw=512&hash=fc39b49982813376f3bd8134d189aa7072d89a3a)
In the Steel Joints add-on, you can classify the stiffnesses of connections.
In addition to the initial stiffness, the table also shows the limit values for hinged and rigid connections for the selected internal forces N, My, and/or Mz. The resulting classification is then displayed in tables as "hinged", "semi-rigid", or "rigid".
Go to Explanatory Video![Feature 002669 | Preloaded Bolts for Steel Joints](/en/webimage/043953/3610291/43953.png?mw=512&hash=a87ac47c25828001319b0659f8fb4cf43fad15c6)
In the "Steel Joints" add-on, you can consider preloaded bolts in all components during the calculation. You can easily activate the preloading using the check box in the bolt parameters, and it has an impact on the stress-strain analysis as well as the stiffness analysis.
Preloaded bolts are special bolts used in steel structures to generate a high clamping force between the connected structural components. This clamping force causes friction between the structural components, which allows for the transfer of forces.
Functionality
Preloaded bolts are tightened with a certain torque, causing them to stretch and generate a tensile force. This tensile force is transferred to the connected components and leads to a high clamping force. The clamping force prevents the connection from loosening and ensures safe force transmission.
Advantages
- High load-bearing capacity: Preloaded bolts can transfer large forces.
- Low deformation: They minimize the deformation of the connection.
- Fatigue strength: They are resistant to fatigue.
- Easy assembly: They are relatively easy to assemble and disassemble.
Analysis and Design
The calculation of preloaded bolts is performed in RFEM using the FE analysis model generated by the "Steel Joints" add-on. It takes into account the clamping force, friction between structural components, shear strength of bolts, and load-bearing capacity of the structural components. The design is carried out according to DIN EN 1993‑1‑8 (Eurocode 3) or the US standard ANSI/AISC 360‑16. You can save the created analysis model, including the results, and use it as an independent RFEM model.
![Feature 002584 | Steel Joint Design for Built-up and Thin-Walled Sections](/en/webimage/039659/3497831/002584_EN.png?mw=512&hash=d680d9b4824be8f843aa199ca85c1674b9e3f5c7)
In the Steel Joint add-on, you can design the connections of members with composite cross-sections. Furthermore, you can perform joint design checks for almost all thin-walled cross-sections in the RFEM library.
Go to Explanatory Video![Feature 002820 | Limit Plastic Strain for Welds](/en/webimage/050344/3881226/1.png?mw=512&hash=9d7f6c198b6d4ae6ee8f2fa8bca75f85579e14c9)
In the ultimate configuration of the steel joint design, you have the option to modify the limit plastic strain for welds.