This article will provide a brief overview of connections and the related workflows.
Parametric connections can be generated for the following situations:
- Beam to column
- Beam to beam
- Brace to beam
- Brace to column
For detailed documentation about the available connection types, see this section. We plan to support more configurations and connection types in the future.
When working with connections, select the Connections tab in the main Builder dialog to access the various tools and settings.
Creating Connections
It is recommended (but not required) to create all structural members in the model prior to creating connections.
The workflow for creating connection is as follows:
- Select the Type of connection
- Select the Detail
- Adjust connection settings if required
- Activate the Build Connection tool
- Click the supporting member
- Click the supported (connecting) member to generate the connection detail in the model
- Click additional supported members if needed to generate more connections to the same supporting member
DECAsteel Bolt components must exist in the model in order to be selectable in the connection settings. Bolt components can be created or imported into the model using the Bolts tab.
Example Double Angle Beam Connection to Column
- Select 'Beam' as the connection type
- Select 'Double Angle' as the detail
- Set the Angle Profile to L4x4x3/8
- Set the Bolt Component to 3/4" F3125
- Set the Rows of Bolts to 3
- Set Top of Beam to first Row to 3"
- Click the Build Connection Tool
- Click the Column (supporting member)
- Click the Beam (supported member) to create the connection
Result:
Notes:
- The horizontal spacing between the bolts on the column is determined by the column gauge setting in the current Standard
- The clearance (cutback) distance between the column and the beam is determined by the clearance settings in the current Standard.
- Enable 'Auto' Rows of Bolts to use the maximum number of bolts that will fit
- Use the 'Angle / Plate in Connecting Member' checkbox to control whether the angle element is a child part of the beam or column
Editing a Connection
First select a connection 'widget' for editing using the Connection Select Tool:
The widget turns blue indicating that the connection is selected and the settings of the selected connection will be revealed in the dialog.
With the connection selected, modify the settings as desired. Here, we change the number of bolt rows to 2.
Click the 'Apply' button or press CTRL+ENTER to apply the changes. Now there are two rows of bolts in the connection instead of three.
Removing a Connection
To remove a connection, first select it using the Connection Selection tool. Then, click the 'Remove Connection' button:
The connection is immediately removed. However, the length of the beam will not change.
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