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Yes, SteelCalculator.app provides free worked examples and step-by-step design guides for most structural steel topics. Check the related guides section below for links to relevant worked examples, or use the free calculator tools to walk through a complete design step by step.

How often is this reference data updated?

Reference data is reviewed and updated whenever new editions of the governing design standards are published. The last review date is noted in the page metadata. For critical values, always cross-check against the current edition of your governing code.

Where do these values come from?

Data is compiled from the AISC Steel Construction Manual (US), EN 1993 Eurocode standards (Europe), AS 4100 Steel Structures (Australia), CSA S16 (Canada), and manufacturer publications. Values are cross-checked against multiple authoritative sources. Always verify against the current edition of your governing standard.

What is the difference between nominal and design values?

Nominal values are unfactored capacity or strength. Design values include resistance factors (phi factors in AISC/AS 4100/CSA S16, partial factors in EN 1993) that account for material and geometric variability. Always use design values (not nominal) for LRFD/limit states design. This page notes which type each value represents.

Can I use these values for construction documents?

No. Reference page values are for preliminary use and educational purposes only. Construction documents must reference the governing design standard directly. A licensed Professional Engineer must verify all design values and calculations.

UK Connection Design — EN 1993-1-8 Bolted & Welded

-------------------- | -------------------------------- | --------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------ | | Beam-to-column (web) | Fin plate | M20 | 10-12 mm S355 | Simple beam connections | | Beam-to-beam | Fin plate | M20 | 10-12 mm S355 | Secondary beam to primary beam | | Beam-to-column (flange) | Partial-depth end plate | M20 | 10-15 mm S355 | Shallow beams, limited width | | Column splice | Flange + web cover plates | M24 | Match column flanges | Column continuity | | Bracing cleat | Double angle cleat | M20 | 12-15 mm S355 | Bracing connections | | Base plate | Holding-down bolts on base plate | M24-M36 | 20-30 mm S355 | Column bases |

UK National Annex Provisions

The UK NA to BS EN 1993-1-8 confirms:

gamma_M2 = 1.25 for bolts, welds, and bearing.
gamma_M3 = 1.25 (ULS) and 1.10 (SLS) for slip-resistant connections.
gamma_M7 = 1.10 for preloaded bolts.
beta_w values adopted as recommended.
The UK NA references SCI P358 and the BCSA National Structural Steelwork Specification for standardised UK connection details.
For composite connections (steel beams with composite slab), the UK NA references SCI P213 for the additional design rules covering the influence of slab reinforcement on connection moment capacity.

Design Resources

UK Bolt Capacity Tables -- Fv,Rd and Ft,Rd for all classes
UK Bolt Spacing Requirements -- Table 3.3 edge distance and pitch
UK End Plate Connection Design -- Complete worked example
UK Brace Connection Design -- CHS/RHS bracing connections
UK Beam Design Guide -- Beam flexure, shear, and LTB
All UK Steel Design References -- complete library

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard UK beam-to-column simple connection?

The fin plate connection is the standard UK detail for beam-to-column simple connections. A 10-12 mm thick S355 plate is shop-welded to the column flange or web, and the beam web is site-bolted to the plate with M20 Class 8.8 bolts. The standard fin plate depth is approximately 0.6 times the beam depth, providing adequate rotational capacity (ductility) for simple construction. SCI P358 provides standardised capacity tables for all common UK beam and column sizes.

What is the component method for moment connections?

The component method models a moment connection as an assembly of discrete spring-like components (T-stub tension zone, column web compression, column web panel shear, etc.), each with its own force-deformation response. The connection moment-rotation curve is constructed by assembling the component responses. The design moment resistance M_j,Rd is the minimum of the capacities of the individual components, each multiplied by its lever arm from the centre of compression. This method is the standard approach for all moment connections designed to EN 1993-1-8.

What fillet weld size is standard for UK beam-to-column connections?

For beam web-to-fin plate welds, 6 mm fillet welds are standard for beams up to 610 mm depth. For end plate-to-beam flange welds, full-penetration butt welds or 8-10 mm fillet welds (both sides) are standard. The design resistance of a 6 mm fillet weld in S355 is F_w,Rd = 1.07 kN/mm. A weld length of 200 mm per side therefore provides 200 x 1.07 = 214 kN shear capacity -- adequate for most building beam end reactions.

Educational reference only. All design values are per BS EN 1993-1-8:2005 + UK National Annex and SCI P358. Verify all values against the current editions of the standards and the applicable National Annex for your project jurisdiction. Designs must be independently verified by a Chartered Structural Engineer registered with the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Results are PRELIMINARY -- NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION without independent professional verification.