A review of connection research and development in the UK

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a review of connection research and development in the UK. The development of design methods for steelwork connections in the UK is explained with the emphasis placed on the background research undertaken to validate and/or develop these methods. Research on the validation of the design rules for simple connections including work on fin plates and robustness is described in detail. A new procedure for the design of moment connections is introduced. This procedure is based on a combination of the rules given in BS5950 and those given in EC3. Some of the main differences between this new approach and both EC3 and the UK's traditional method are identified and discussed. It is concluded that both publications given recommendations that produce economic connections and give realistic estimates of strength.