1.

The difference between rigid joint and hinged joint:

1.Rigid connection can transfer bending moment and shear force, while hinge joint can only transfer shear force
2.There are also differences in structure between the two: if the rigid connection is H-beam, the upper and lower flange
and web need to be connected; if the hinge joint is H-beam, only the web plate has connection structure
A little opinion!!
The stress of column base is divided into:
(a) Hinged column base (b) rigid connection column base
The column bases of concrete structure are all rigid joints, that is, axial force N, horizontal shear force V and bending
moment M exist at the same time, so the foundation size is large.
There are two common types of column bases in light steel structures: rigid connection and hinged joint,
1.For the hinged column base, there are only axial force N and horizontal force
2.In addition to the axial force N and horizontal force V, there is also a certain bending moment M for the rigidly
connected column base,
3.The foundation of rigid connection column base is larger than that of hinged column base.
In addition, please note:
For the joint design of rigid column base:
1.When it is used in industrial plant with overhead crane, the column base should be designed as
rigidity.
2.The following problems should be paid attention to in the rigid column base:
The construction unit should have a certain level of basic technology
Shear members shall be provided

*As for the problem of rigid connection and hinge joint, theoretically speaking, rigid joint refers to whether the node can
rotate, and complete rigid connection refers to no rotation at all, and hinge joint can rotate freely.Fully rigid connection
means that the joint not only can bear the shear axial force and bending moment, but also has enough stiffness.The
deformation of the joint is very small under the action of bending moment.In theory, there is no complete rigid
connection, so long as it has effect, there will be deformation. In practical engineering, after reaching a certain stiffness,
we will consider it as rigid connection in engineering. If it can bear bending moment, but the deformation is large, we
think it is semi-rigid connection and elastic fixation.
Hinge is easy to understand and can rotate freely, that is, it can not bear bending moment, so it can only resist shear
force and axial force.For a member, such as I-shaped member, the flange is mainly bent and the web is mainly
shear.Since some of the comrades discussed here have not studied mechanics, I will simply say that for bending
moment, the farther away from the centroid axis, the greater the contribution of bending moment, so the contribution of
bending moment to the farthest distance between flange and centroid is greater.The shear stress is the largest at the
centroid, so the web is mainly shear.Generally speaking, for nodes, such as end plate connection, where bolts are
arranged outside the flange and the thickness of end plate meets the requirements, it is rigid connection.The hinge joint
bolts are arranged near the centroid axis.

4. While a foundation is necessary for a column to distribute the column load on sufficient area of the soil so that the
bearing capacity of the soil is not exceeded, it is also equally important that the column load should be applied on
sufficient area of the concrete foundation so that the bearing strength of concrete is not exceeded. A steel base plate is
therefore provided to distribute the column load on sufficient area of concrete foundation.

Base plates used may be of the following types:

A slab base plate is provided when the column is to stand on an independent concrete foundation. The bearing end is
machined so as to provide full contact with the base plate so that-the column load is transmitted to the base plate by
bearing. In order to prevent any possible dislocation of the column at the stage of erection, sometimes secondary joint is
also provided connecting the column (web) and the base plate.
Under the action of the downward load exerted by the column on the base plate, and the upward reaction exerted by the
concrete foundation, the base plate is subjected to bending in two principal directions. Considering this the I.S. 800 code
has given the following specification.The minimum thickness ts of the rectangular slab bases, supporting columns under
axial compression shall be-

w = uniform pressure from below on the slab base under the factored axial compressive load

a, b = Larger and smaller projections respectively beyond the rectangle circumscribing the column, and

tƒ = Flange thickness of the column.

5. Bolted connections (Figure 1) come in various forms, each with its specific application and advantages.
Understanding the different types of bolted connections is essential for designing robust and efficient steel structures.
Here, we explore the primary types of bolted connections used in steel construction.

Lap Joints

Lap joints are one of the simplest forms of bolted connections. In this type, two steel plates overlap each other, and bolts
join them together. This straightforward design makes lap joints highly effective for connecting secondary structural
elements where simplicity and speed are essential. Engineers often use lap joints in applications such as bracing and
minor connections due to their ease of installation and cost-effectiveness.

Butt Joints

Butt joints involve aligning two plates end-to-end and joining them with bolts through a cover plate. This type of
connection is critical in primary structural elements where precise alignment is crucial. By ensuring that the ends of the
plates meet perfectly, butt joints provide a strong and continuous connection. They are commonly used in main
structural members such as beams and columns, where the integrity and alignment of the connection directly impact the
overall stability of the structure.

End-Plate Connections

End-plate connections are used to connect beams to columns or other beams. In this connection type, an end plate is
welded to the end of a beam and then bolted to the supporting element. This method provides a robust and secure
connection, capable of handling significant loads. End-plate connections are particularly advantageous in steel frame
structures, where the connection needs to transfer both shear and moment forces efficiently.

Fin Plate Connections

Fin plate connections feature a plate (fin) that is welded to the supporting structure, with the beam bolted to this fin
plate. These connections are commonly used in simple beam-to-column connections where ease of installation and
flexibility are important. Fin plate connections offer a straightforward and effective way to connect beams to supporting
structures, making them a popular choice in many steel construction projects.

Moment-Resisting Connections

Moment-resisting connections are designed to resist both bending moments and shear forces. These connections are
crucial in frames where rigidity and stability are required. By providing a strong and stable connection, moment-
resisting connections ensure that the frame can withstand lateral loads such as wind and seismic forces. These
connections are essential in the design of multi-story buildings and other structures where maintaining the overall
stability of the frame is critical.

6. Structural systems transfer their loading through a series of elements to the ground. This is accomplished by designing
the joining of the elements at their intersections. Each connection is designed so that it can transfer, or support, a specific
type of load or loading condition. In order to be able to analyze a structure, it is first necessary to be clear about the
forces that can be resisted, and transfered, at each level of support throughout the structure. The actual behaviour of a
support or connection can be quite complicated. So much so, that if all of the various conditions were considered, the
design of each support would be a terribly lengthy process. And yet, the conditions at each of the supports greatly
influence the behaviour of the elements which make up each structural system.

Structural steel systems have either welded or bolted connections. Precast reinforced concrete systems can be
mechanically connected in many ways, while cast-in-place systems normally have monolithic connections. Timber
systems are connected by nails, bolts, glue or by engineered connectors. No matter the material, the connection must be
designed to have a specific rigidity. Rigid, stiff or fixed connections lie at one extreme limit of this spectrum and hinged
or pinned connections bound the other. The stiff connection maintins the relative angle between the connected members
while the hinged connection allows a relative rotation. There are also connections in steel and reinforced concrete
structural systems in which a partial rigidity is a desired design feature.

SUPPORT TYPES
The three common types of connections which join a built structure to its foundation are; roller, pinned and fixed. A
fourth type, not often found in building structures, is known as a simple support. This is often idealized as a frictionless
surface). All of these supports can be located anywhere along a structural element. They are found at the ends, at
midpoints, or at any other intermediate points. The type of support connection determines the type of load that the
support can resist. The support type also has a great effect on the load bearing capacity of each element, and therefore
the system.

The diagram illustrates the various ways in which each type of support is represented. A single unified graphical method
to represent each of these support types does not exist. Chances are that one of these representations will be similar to
local common practice. However, no matter what the representation, the forces that the type can resist is indeed
standardized.
ROLLER SUPPORTS
Roller supports are free to rotate and translate along the surface upon which the roller rests. The surface can be
horizontal, vertical, or sloped at any angle. The resulting reaction force is always a single force that is perpendicular to,
and away from, the surface. Roller supports are commonly located at one end of long bridges. This allows the bridge
structure to expand and contract with temperature changes. The expansion forces could fracture the supports at the banks
if the bridge structure was "locked" in place. Roller supports can also take the form of rubber bearings, rockers, or a set
of gears which are designed to allow a limited amount of lateral movement.

A roller support cannot provide resistance to a lateral forces. Imagine a structure (perhaps a person) on roller skates. It
would remain in place as long as the structure must only support itself and perhaps a perfectly vertical load. As soon as a
lateral load of any kind pushes on the structure it will roll away in reponse to the force. The lateral load could be a
shove, a gust of wind or an earthquake. Since most structures are subjected to lateral loads it follows that a building must
have other types of support in addition to roller supports.

Pinned supports

A pinned support can resist both vertical and horizontal forces but not a moment. They will allow the structural member
to rotate, but not to translate in any direction. Many connections are assumed to be pinned connections even though they
might resist a small amount of moment in reality. It is also true that a pinned connection could allow rotation in only one
direction; providing resistance to rotation in any other direction. The knee can be idealized as a connection which allows
rotation in only one direction and provides resistance to lateral movement. The design of a pinned connection is a good
example of the idealization of the reality. A single pinned connection is usually not sufficient to make a structure stable.
Another support must be provided at some point to prevent rotation of the structure. The representation of a pinned
support includes both horizontal and vertical forces.

Fixed supports

Fixed supports can resist vertical and horizontal forces as well as a moment. Since they restrain both rotation and
translation, they are also known as rigid supports. This means that a structure only needs one fixed support in order to be
stable. All three equations of equilibrium can be satisfied. A flagpole set into a concrete base is a good example of this
kind of support. The representation of fixed supports always includes two forces (horizontal and vertical) and a moment.

7. Determining Loads

The first step in designing a steel beam is to calculate the loads it will carry. These loads can include dead loads, live
loads, wind loads, and other environmental factors. In most cases, the loads are determined based on the building’s
intended use and location. Dead loads consist of the weight of the structure itself, including the walls, floors, and roofing
materials. Live loads refer to the loads imposed by the occupants and movable objects within the structure, such as
furniture and equipment.

To determine the load capacity, engineers typically follow the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method
outlined in the AISC code. This method uses load factors and resistance factors to ensure that the structure will
withstand both expected and unexpected loads safely. By using this approach, engineers can calculate the required
strength of the beam under different loading scenarios.

2. Selecting the Beam Section

Once the loads are determined, the next step is to select an appropriate beam section. Steel beams come in various
shapes and sizes, with the most common being wide flange (W) shapes. These shapes are ideal for bending and are used
in most structural applications. The selection of the beam section depends on factors such as the span length, load-
carrying capacity, and deflection limits. The AISC Steel Construction Manual provides tables and formulas to help
engineers choose the most suitable section.

The section modulus (S) and moment of inertia (I) are two critical properties to consider when selecting a beam. The
section modulus is directly related to the bending strength of the beam, while the moment of inertia affects its stiffness
and deflection. By ensuring that the selected section has adequate values for these properties, engineers can guarantee
that the beam will not fail under the applied loads.

3. Limit States Design

The AISC code emphasizes the importance of limit states design, which involves considering both strength and
serviceability. Strength limit states address the beam’s ability to resist failure under maximum loads, including yielding,
buckling, and fracture. Serviceability limit states ensure that the beam performs well under normal operating conditions,
with acceptable deflection and vibration levels.

 Flexural strength: The beam must resist bending forces without yielding or breaking.
 Shear strength: The beam must withstand shear forces, which occur at the supports and under concentrated
loads.
 Lateral-torsional buckling: The beam should remain stable and resist twisting or buckling out of the plane
under load.

8. Beam Limitations The heaviest beam size for any tested RBS specimen is W36 × 300 as reported in FEMA-355D
(2000). There is no evidence that modest deviations from the maximum tested specimen would result in considerably
different performance. ANSI/AISC 358 (2005) limits maximum flange thickness for the connection to 1¾ inches, which
is approximately 4% thicker than the flange of a W36 × 300. ANSI/AISC 358 (2005), Section 5.3.1 outlines the
following for the beam design: • The beams shall be rolled wide-flange or built-up I-shape members. • The maximum
depth is that of a W36 section. • The maximum weight is 300 lbs/ft. • The clear span-to-depth ratio for SMF is 7 or
greater. • The width-to-thickness ratio for the beam flange can be calculated at a point located at the two-thirds point of
the RBS cut. 9 “Design of RBS Connections for Special Moment Frames” © Kevin S. Moore & Joyce Y. Feng, 2007,
All rights reserved. • RBS connections that support a concrete structural slab and meeting requirements of ANSI/AISC
358 (2005) Section 5.3.1 are not required to have a supplemental brace at the RBS. • If no floor slab is present, then a
supplemental brace is required at the RBS. The brace should not be connected within the reduced section (protected
zone; see Figure 3-1), but just outside (within db / 2) of the end of the radius cut, farthest from the face of the column.
Column Limitations Almost all RBS connection test specimens have been fabricated with the beam flange welded to the
column flange (that is, strong-axis connections). The limited amount of weak-axis testing has shown acceptable
performance. However, ANSI/AISC 358 (2005) limits the prequalification to strong-axis connections only. In FEMA-
350 (2000, RBS connections were prequalified only for W12 and W14 columns. In ANSI/AISC 358 (2005), the
prequalification of RBS connections is extended to include W36 columns. This extension of column size limit is
primarily based on published research (Ricles et al. 2004). Research results indicate that adequate performance can be
achieved with deep columns when a composite slab is present at the top of the frame beam or when adequate lateral
bracing is provided for the beam and/or column in the absence of a slab. ANSI/AISC 358 (2005) includes similar limits
to column depths of cruciform columns. For built-up box columns, the deepest column tested in publicly available
literature was 24 inches. Therefore, the limiting depth of built-up box columns for prequalified RBS connections is 24
inches. Limits on the width-thickness ratios for the walls of built-up box columns are specified in Section 2.3.2b(3) of
AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 360, 2005). RBS connections are also prequalified for
use with boxed wide-flange columns. When moment connections are made only to the flanges of the wide-flange portion
of the boxed wide flange, the column may be up to W36 in depth.