In steel structures, various types of joints are used to connect structural members together. Here are some common types of joints used in steel construction:
- Welded Joint: Welding is the most commonly used method for joining steel members in structural applications. It involves melting the ends of two steel pieces and allowing them to solidify, creating a permanent joint. Different types of welds, such as fillet welds and groove welds, can be used depending on the specific requirements of the joint.
- Bolted Joint: Bolted joints use high-strength bolts to connect steel members together. Holes are drilled through the members, and bolts are inserted and tightened with nuts to create a secure connection. Bolted joints offer flexibility for disassembly and modification.
- Riveted Joint: Riveting was a traditional method of joining steel members before welding and bolting became more popular. It involves using hot or cold-driven rivets to connect steel plates or sections. The rivets are inserted into pre-drilled holes and then hammered or compressed to form a permanent joint.
- Pinned Joint: Pinned joints provide a hinged connection between steel members. They allow rotation and limited movement between the connected parts. Pinned joints often use pin connections, such as clevises or gusset plates, and are commonly found in truss structures and bracing systems.
- Moment-Resisting Joint: These joints are designed to resist bending moments and transfer them between steel members. They provide rigidity and stability to the structure by restricting rotational movement at the joint. Moment-resisting joints are commonly used in frames and multi-story buildings to resist lateral loads.
- Slip-Critical Joint: Slip-critical joints are used in connections that require resistance to slip or movement between the connected members. These joints typically use high-strength bolts with sufficient friction between the surfaces to prevent relative movement.
- Flange Plate Joint: Flange plate joints are often used in the connection of steel beams or columns. They involve attaching steel plates, known as flange plates, to the flanges of the structural members using welding or bolting. Flange plate joints provide additional strength and stiffness to the connection.
- Splice Joint: Splice joints are used to connect two steel members end-to-end when their lengths are insufficient. Splice joints can be achieved by welding, bolting, or a combination of both methods. They are commonly employed in long-span structures, such as bridges and trusses.
These are just a few examples of the types of joints used in steel structures. The choice of joint depends on factors such as the structural design, loads, required strength, ease of construction, and maintenance considerations.
