Several different types of connections are available and the user selects the suitable one.  Welded or bolted connections may be designed.

The following connections may currently be designed:

·      beam - beam (perpendicular)

·      beam - column flange

·      beam - column web

·      beam splices

Connections may be designed according to one of the following Codes:

 ·      AISC - ASD or LRFD

·      BS5950

Program options:

·      The section sizes and reaction forces/moments are retrieved automatically from the STRAP modules; the user only has to specify the various connection detail parameters.

·      The user specifies the following connection parameters:  permissible bolt diameters, minimum number of bolts, bolt spacing, weld thickness, use angles or plates, etc.

·      The program checks all of the STRAP load combinations.

·      After the parameters have been specified the program calculates all of the connections in the structure and displays a summary table.

·      Alternatively the user may modify the parameters for a specific connection and redesign it until a satisfactory connection is achieved.

·      The program displays a detailed drawing and a design calculation sheet for each connection listing the input and output data.

·      The detailed drawing may be saved in a DXF format file.

·      A three-dimensional rendered drawing of any connection may be displayed.

For more on steel design, see also: light gauge, composite and sway optimization.

Next: Concrete Design