6 Common Types of Structural Steel Beam Connections
07 June 2022
Steel frame buildings are among the most common structures found on construction sites across the UK and beyond. The frames for these buildings are formed of various structural steel components, including universal beams, columns, channels, joists and box sections.
These products are joined together by structural steel fabricators using beam connections, creating a stable frame that can withstand heavy weights and unfavourable weather conditions. There are six types of steel beam connections that you may find placed strategically, depending on your application, all of which come with different advantages.
Before ordering steel online from one of the steel fabrication companies listed on Buy A Beam, read this blog post to learn about the beam connections that exist and how they can benefit your project.
Seated Beam Connections
As their name suggests, seated beam connections involve a steel beam positioned on top of a seat. Those with previous construction experience can understand how this works by comparing the process to how beams rest on top of masonry walls.
Bolted Seated Steel Beam Connections
There are two types of seated connections: stiffened and unstiffened. If the reactions at the end of the beam are large, stiffened seat connections are recommended, as their design helps them resist large forces without taking damage.
In comparison, unstiffened connections have a limited bending capacity, so they should only be used when the structural steel beam won’t be under high pressure. Bolted seated beam connections can be erected and dismantled with ease, with the option to reuse parts in other areas when required.
Welded Seat Steel Beam Connections
These beam connections are similar to bolted seat connections but are welded rather than fastened using bolts. Like their bolted equivalent, the types of welded seat connections available include unstiffened and stiffened seats, which should be decided based on the stress they’ll need to endure.
It’s crucial to note that welded connections are not as environmentally friendly as bolted connections. They’re harder to erect and dismantle, so they can extend the timelines of a project and are less likely to be reused.
Framed Beam Connections
The other steel beam connection commonly used in structural steel fabrication is a frame connection. This option involves a beam connected to the supporting steel structure as required through a fitting. Framed steel beam connections are more directly connected to a structure rather than being rested on top as with seated connections.
Bolted Framed Steel Beam Connections
Steel fabricators use bolted frame connections to link steel beams to the supporting structure, such as girders and columns, using a web connection angle. When using this type of connection, you need to consider the strength of the fasteners and base materials.
Welded Framed Steel Beam Connection
Similar to bolted frame connections, but with welding used in place of bolts, which on-site mobile welders will carry out at your request. Using welding rather than bolts to secure the connection makes this option incredibly strong and resistant to heavy loads. However, it’s also harder to erect and dismount when required, so more time needs to be allocated to these tasks.
Other Beam Connection Types
Occasionally none of the four connection types mentioned above will be the right choice for a particular steel fabrication task, which means an alternate option needs to be used. In this case, continue reading to learn about two further options you could consider.
End Plate Steel Beam Connection
This connection uses an end plate, which is usually a rectangular steel plate that can be used to connect two separate structural components. The connection types commonly used with this include flexible, semi-rigid and rigid plates, all of which involve welding the end plate to the beam web to improve the stability of a structure.
Special Steel Beam Connections
Special connections are recommended whenever you can’t use the five steel beam connections described above. Some of the options for this category include bent-plate framed connections, single web plate connections, and one-sided framed connections. If you’re interested in any of them, you can choose a local steel beam supplier to speak to through the Buy A Beam online shop.
Buy Steel Online Today
Whatever type of connections you require, order your structural steel beams from CE and UKCA-approved local steel suppliers in your area directly via Buy A Beam. Using our online service means you can benefit from access to a steel beam calculator, helping to accurately predict the costs of your order and ensure it matches your budget before any charges are confirmed.
Get in touch with us if you have any further queries about our service, and we’ll be happy to help.