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Shear Connection

What is a Shear Connection?

In structural engineering, a shear connection is a joint that allows for the transfer of shear forces between two members. So if a child member (for instance a beam) has some internal shear forces, these will be passed on as axial force into the column member. Typically, Shear Connections act as a pin (FFFFFR) as they do not take moment force like Moment Connections. (For more info, see Moment Connections)

example of a shear connection with bolts and welds from skyciv connection design software
Single Angle Connection – An example of a Shear Connection. The lack of welds on the top and bottom of the child (red) member means will not transfer moment force. 

The shear force is often transferred with the aid of some plate, cleat, or additional member that connects the two members. In the right example, taken from SkyCiv Connection Design Software, you can see that any downward force will be passed onto the parent member via the (yellow) angle plate connecting the two members together. Since the plate is not rigidly welded to both members, the connection is still free to rotate – meaning it is not a moment connection. Normally, calculations performed on the Steel Connections follow a certain design standard (AISC, Eurocode, and AS4100) to ensure the calculation’s reliability.

Shear connections are generally the most commonly used connections. If the frame is braced, a moment connection may not be required as the bracing provides adequate lateral stability. This can help reduce the reliance on moment connections, which are often more complex and costly

Types of Shear Connections

The most common types are the angle/plate connections, which either use an angle bracket or a plate to connect the flange of the parent to the web of the child member. Shear connections do not resist much moment forces as they are allowed some looseness to rotate. It is one of the main differences between a shear and a moment connection. It is worth noting that welded shear connections resist higher moment loads than bolted ones.

Angle Connection

Angle Connections are L-shaped brackets that hold the parent and child members together. The connection can have either one L-shaped bracket on one side or two brackets on both sides. Having two brackets (double angle connections), increases the rigidity of the connection but makes it stronger in resisting shear forces. The most common configuration of angle connections is that two sides of the connection are bolted the use of bolts reduces the cost.

Single Plate Connection

Much like the angle connections, the Single Plate Connection uses a single plate to hold together the two members. It can be welded or bolted to the child member but is welded to the parent member. As it is welded to the parent member, it normally is more costly to use a single plate connection than an angle connection.

WT Connection

As the name implies, this connection uses a T-shaped section to join the parent and child member. This greatly increases its strength towards shear and moment loads. As such, the bearing strength of the connection becomes important.

Seated Connection

Seated Connections use L-shaped brackets to connect the parent and child members together. They differ from angle connections as they connect at the flange of both the parent and child members. However, similar to the angle connection, they can be welded or bolted. They are normally attached with a stability bracket which is connected to the web or the flange of the child member.

3D Representation of a Shear Connection – the yellow element is the angle that connects the Parent Member (Hollow Rectangular) to the Child Member (W-shape)
Source: SkyCiv Connection Design Software

 

What’s the difference between a Shear and Moment Connection?

We’ve discussed a lot about how a shear connection only transfers shear force. A moment connection will also transfer a moment force. Think of it as a sort of hinge – a shear connection will allow it to rotate, but a moment connection will not. As mentioned above, shear connections are more common than moment connections as they are far cheaper and easier to design. Moment connections are only required when deemed absolutely necessary and insufficient lateral stability is provided in the building. See below a comparison table of shear vs moment connections:

 

Shear Connection Moment Connection
Forces Transferred Shear Only Shear and Moment
Alternative names Pinned, Hinge Rigid, Fixed, Stiff
Rotation Allows Rotation Does not allow Rotation
Software Fixity Code FFFFFR FFFFFF

 

SkyCiv Connection Design Software

The above info, screenshots, and 3D models of shear connections are from SkyCiv Steel Connection Design Software. The software will run design checks for the various design codes, including AISC 360-10 ASD and LRFD.

With full rendering, CAD export, and drawings. The software will also produce a step-by-step guide of the connection shear design calculations so that you can follow the steps it is taking.

You can try out the software with SkyCiv Free Steel Connection Calculator or sign up today to get started!

Shear Connections as shown in the SkyCiv Steel Connection Design Software

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