Design of Steel Connections is a highly practical engineering course focused on the critical joints that link individual structural elements into a safe, cohesive system. Because structural failures most frequently originate at the joints, mastering connection design is paramount for ensuring global structural integrity.

This course bridges the gap between connection mechanics and code-compliant detailing. Learners will progress from the fundamentals of mechanical fastening in bolted connections (including prying action and shear/bearing limits) to the metallurgy and geometric sizing of welded connections (fillet and groove welds). The curriculum then covers complex force distributions in beam-to-beam, beam-to-column, and eccentric connections where twisting and bending moments complicate the load paths. Finally, the course addresses the vital transition point between steel frames and concrete foundations by exploring the design of axially loaded, moment-resisting, and gusseted column base plates along with their anchoring systems. Learning Objectives By the end of this course, learners will be able to: Design Fastener Systems: Select, size, and arrange bolts or welds to resist shear, tension, and bearing stresses based on industry design specifications. Analyze Joint Failure Modes: Evaluate critical limit states in connections, including block shear, bolt hole deformation, weld defects, and joint prying action. Resolve Eccentric Loading: Calculate complex force distributions in joints where loads do not pass through the center of gravity, causing combined shear and torsion/bending. Detail Column Base Plates: Size and proportion slab bases, gusseted bases, and anchor bolts to safely transfer axial forces and overturning moments into concrete foundations. Implement Design Procedures: Apply systematic engineering workflows and standard design code regulations to solve real-world structural connection problems. Target Learners & Background: Structural Design Engineers Civil Engineering Students Steel Detailers & Fabricators