WORKED EXAMPLE

4  4 BRACED FRAME DESIGN IN SEMI-CONTINUOUS CONSTRUCTION WITH

PARTIAL STRENGTH CONNECTION

1.0 INPUT

1.1 Geometry

Building assumed to have 4 storeys with storey height = 4.0m for each floor, except 5.0m for
ground floor. Column sizes do not vary between every two storeys.

Beam span = 6.0m

Frame centre = 6.0m

Loaded area per beam = 6.0  6.0 = 36m2

4.0

4.0

4.0

5.0

6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0

One-way span with distant

6m between frames equal to 6m

6m
1.2 Loading

Roof Permanent Load = 4.0kN/m2

Imposed Load = 1.5kN/m2
Floor Permanent Load = 4.0kN/m2
Imposed load = 4.0kN/m2

Design load for roof wR = 1.35(4.0) + 1.5(1.5) = 7.65 kN/m2 = 7.65  6

= 45.9 kN/m
Design load for floor wF = 1.35(4.0) + 1.5(4.0) = 11.4 kN/m2 = 11.4  6
= 68.4 kN/m

2.0 SCHEME DESIGN

2.1 Floor Beams

A connection has a strength equal to approximately 20% - 50% of the beam moment capacity
will be used at each end of span. Assumed full lateral restraint on the top flange of beam, thus
no lateral torsional buckling check is needed.

For class 1 plastic or class 2 compact sections:

W pl f y
M c = M pl , Rd = ; Wpl is the plastic section modulus
M0

w F L2 68.4  6 2
Free Moment Mdesign = = = 307.8kNm
8 8

M design 307.8  10 3
Plastic Modulus, Wy-y,,req = = = 1119.3cm3
fy 275
From the section properties table of Universal Beam (UB), the lightest section to have the
required plastic modulus (Wy-y,,req=1119.3cm3 ) is 457  152 UB 60, with Wy-y,prov = 1200 cm3
From the tables of properties, try section 457152UB60

Iteration 1
Try 457  152 UB 60

1200  275  10 −3
Moment capacity, M pl , Rd = = 330kNm ;
1.0
From the connection capacities table (Appendix C of “Design of Semi-continuous Braced
Frames”), apply 1 Row M20 8.8 bolts 20012 Flush End-plate,

Assuming that the external column is UKC203 x 203 x 46 and internal column is
UKC254x254x73.
Where Mp is the moment capacity of the beam,
Mj1 is the capacity of the weaker connection.
Mj2 is the capacity of the stronger connection.
Mj2
Mj1

Mp
0.45L

Mj1 = Allowable tension force x lever arm of the selected connection

= 198 x 384 x 10-3 = 76kNm.

Mj2 = 80kNm (taken from standard table with no reduction)

Total capacity = Mp + 76 + 0.45(80 – 76)

= Mp + 77.8

Total capacity = Free moment = 307.8kNm

Therefore 307.8 = Mp + 77.8

Mp  307.8 – 77.8
Mp  230kNm

Applied sagging moment should be greater than 230.0 kNm

M design 230  10 3
Plastic Modulus,Wpl,Req = = = 836.4cm3
fy 275
From the section properties table of Universal Beam (UB), the lightest section to have the
required plastic modulus (Wpl. req) is 356  171 UB 51, with Wpl,y = 896 cm3
For UB406x140x46 (Wpl,y = 888 cm3)

Iteration 2

Try 406x140x46
Mj1 = Allowable tension force x lever arm of the selected connection
= 198 x 333 x 10-3 = 65.9kNm.

Mj2 = 69kNm (taken from standard table with no reduction)

Total capacity = Mp + 65.9 + 0.45(69 – 65.9)

= Mp + 67.3

Total capacity = Free moment = 307.8kNm

Therefore 307.8 = Mp + 67.3

 Mp  307.8 – 67.3
Mp  240.5kNm
888  275 10 −3
Moment capacity, M pl , Rd = = 244.2kNm  240.5kNm ;
1.0

Applied sagging moment should be greater than 240.5 kNm

M design 240.5  10 3
Plastic Modulus,Wpl,Req = = = 874.5cm3
fy 275
From the section properties table of Universal Beam (UB), the lightest section to have the
required plastic modulus (Wpl. req) is UKB406x140x46 (Wpl,y = 888 cm3)

From the standard table of member capacities, there is no lighter UKB section suitable for the
design,

406x140 UB 46 is selected Pass!

2.2 Roof Beams

wL2 45.9  6 2
Free Moment = = = 206.5kNm
8 8
Design based on the lightest section for UKB.

Iteration 1

For class 1 plastic or class 2 compact sections:

W pl f y
M c = M pl , Rd = ; Wpl is the plastic section modulus
M0
wL2 45.9  6 2
Free Moment = = = 206.5kNm
8 8
M 206.5  10 3
Plastic Modulus, Wy-y,,req = design = = 750.9cm3
fy 275
From the section properties table of Universal Beam (UB), the lightest section to have the
required plastic modulus (Wy-y,,req=750.9cm3 ) is 356 x 171 UKB 45, with Wy-y,prov = 775 cm3

From the tables of properties, try section 356171UB45

Iteration 1
Try 356  171 UB 45

From the connection capacities table (Appendix C of “Design of Semi-continuous Braced

Frames”), apply 1 Row M20 8.8 bolts 20012 Flush End-plate,

Assuming that the external column is UKC203 x 203 x 46 and internal column is
UKC254x254x73.

Where Mp is the moment capacity of the beam,

Mj1 is the capacity of the weaker connection.
Mj2 is the capacity of the stronger connection.
Mj2
Mj1

Mp
0.45L

Mj1 = Allowable tension force x lever arm of the selected connection

= 198 x 287 x 10-3 = 56.8 kNm.

Mj2 = 80kNm (taken from standard table with no reduction)

Total capacity = Mp + 56.8 + 0.45(60 – 56.8)

= Mp + 58.24
Total capacity = Free moment = 206.7kNm

Therefore 206.7 = Mp + 58.24

Mp  206.7 – 58.24
Mp  148.5kNm

Applied sagging moment should be greater than 148.5 kNm

M design 148.5  103
Plastic Modulus,Wpl,Req = = = 540.0cm3
fy 275
From the section properties table of Universal Beam (UB), the lightest section to have the
required plastic modulus (Wpl. req) is 356x127 UB 33, with Wpl,y = 543 cm3

Iteration 2

Iteration 2

Try 356x127x33

Mj1 = Allowable tension force x lever arm of the selected connection

= 198 x 284 x 10-3 = 56.2kNm.

Mj2 = 59kNm (taken from standard table with no reduction)

Total capacity = Mp + 56.2 + 0.45(59 – 56.9)

= Mp + 57.1

Total capacity = Free moment = 206.7kNm

Therefore 206.7 = Mp + 57.1

Mp  206.7 – 57.1
Mp  149.6kNm
543  275  10 −3
Moment capacity, M pl , Rd = = 149.3kNm  149.6kNm ;
1.0

Acceptable the overstressed due to moment should not be more than 3%.

From the standard table of member capacities, there is no lighter UKB section suitable for the
design,

356x127 UB 33 is selected Pass!

2.3 Columns

4.0 COLUMN DESIGN

4.1 Internal Column

The major and minor axis beam connections are assumed to be partial connection to the
column, so that the effective length factors are 0.85 for buckling for both axes. Assume the
section is at least of Class 3 and roughly estimate that reduction factor to be 0.6. Thus,

Table 4.1 Factored and unfactored load on internal column.

Storey Loading (kN) S.W Total load Reduction Total I.L Factored Total load
of DL (kN) in I.L (kN) after D.L + I.L after
col. IL (kN) reduction reduction (kN)
(kN) (kN)
4 DL = 72 IL 27 6 150 54 0 54 1.35x150
DL = 72 IL 27 +1.5x54=283.5
3 DL = 72 IL 72 6 300 198 10% 178.2 1.35x300
DL = 72 IL 72 (19.8) +1.5x178.2=672.3
2 DL = 72 IL 72 7 451 342 20% 273.6 1.35x451
DL = 72 IL 72 (68.4) +1.5x273.6=1019.3
1 DL = 72 IL 72 7 602 486 30% 340 1.35x602
DL = 72 IL 72 (146) +1.5x340=1322.7

Design for internal column from roof level to level 2

Af y
N b ,Rd =  ;
 M1
N Ed M 1 672.3(1.0)
A= =  103 = 4074.5mm 2 = 40.74cm 2
f y 0.6(275)

From section property table, try 203 x 203 x 46UKC (A = 58.7 cm2):

b = 203.6 mm, h = 203.2 mm, t f = 11.0 mm, t w = 7.2 mm, c f / t f = 8.0, cw / t w = 22.3,
I y = 4570 cm4 , I z = 1550 cm4 , i y = 8.82 cm, iz = 5.13 cm, A = 58.7 cm2 , I w = 143  109 mm 6 ,
I T = 22.2  10 4 mm 4 , G = 81000 N / mm 2 , W pl = 497cm 3

Determination of NEd
From load distribution, N Ed = 672.3kN

Step 2: Section classification (refer to Table 5.2)

Since tf = 11.2 mm <40 mm, fy = 275N/mm2

0.5
 235 
 =  = 0.92
 275 
cf/tf = 8.0 < 14, the flange is NOT Class 4
cw/tw = 22.3 < 42, the web is NOT Class 4
 The section is NOT classified as Class 4 section (Class 1, 2 or 3 section).

Step 3: Cross-sectional resistance (Cl. 6.2.4)

 The design compressive force, NEd should not be greater than the cross-section
N Ed
resistance Nc,Rd.  1.0
N c , Rd
For Class 1, 2 and 3 cross section,
Af y 58.7  275
N c , Rd = = 10−1 = 1614.2kN
 M0 1.0
N Ed 672.3
= = 0.42  1.0
N c,Rd 1614.2
 The compression resistance of the cross section is adequate.

Step 4: Buckling Resistance (Cl. 6.3.1)

The resistance to flexural buckling about minor axis is the critical case in this example.
Therefore the flexural buckling resistance (Nb,Rd) is determined for the z-z axis only.

N Ed
 1.0 For Class 1, 2 and 3 cross section under flexural buckling,
N b, Rd
Af y
N b , Rd = 
 M1
1
=  1.0
 + 2 −  2


 = 0.5 1 +  ( − 0.2) +  2 
Af y Lcr 1
 LT = =
N cr i 1
E
1 = = 93.9 = 93.9(0.92) = 86.4
fy
Lcr = 0.85 L = 3400 mm
Lcr 1  3400  1 
LT , z = =   = 0.76
iz 1  51.3  86.4 
From Table 6.3 and Table 6.5 of EC3-1-1:
h 203.2
= = 0.99  1.2 ; tf < 100 mm; S275; choose curve “b”
b 203.6
 = 0.34
  (
= 0.5 1 +  z − 0.2 + z ) 2


= 0.5 1 + 0.34(0.76 − 0.2) + (0.76) 2 
= 0.88
1
 =
 +  2 − LT , z
2

1
=
0.88 + 0.882 − 0.76 2
= 0.76  1.0
 Af y 58.7(275)
N b,Rd =  = (0.76)  10 −1 = 1226.8kN
 M1 1.0
N Ed 672.3
= = 0.55  1.0
N b,Rd 1226.8

The flexural buckling resistance is adequate.

Design for internal column from level 2 to ground level.

Af y
N b ,Rd =  ;
 M1
N Ed  M 1 1322.7(1.0)
A= =  103 = 8016.4mm 2 = 80.16cm 2
f y 0.6(275)

From section property table, try 254x254x73UKC (A = 93.1 cm2):

b = 254.6 mm, h = 254.1 mm, t f = 14.2 mm, t w = 8.6 mm, c f / t f = 7.77, cw / t w = 23.3,
W pl = 497  103 mm 3 , I y = 11400cm 4 , I z = 3910 cm4 , i y = 11.1 cm, i z = 6.48 cm, A = 93.1 cm 2 .

Step 2: Section classification (refer to Table 5.2)

Since tf = 14.2 mm <40 mm, fy = 275N/mm2

0.5
 235 
 =  = 0.92
 275 
cf/tf = 7.77 < 14, the flange is NOT Class 4
cw/tw = 23.2 < 42, the web is NOT Class 4
 The section is NOT classified as Class 4 section (Class 1, 2 or 3 section).

Step 3: Cross-sectional resistance (Cl. 6.2.4)

The design compressive force, NEd should not be greater than the cross-section resistance
N Ed
Nc,Rd.  1.0
N c , Rd
For Class 1, 2 and 3 cross section,
Af y 93.1  275
N c ,Rd = =  10−1 = 2560.3kN
 M0 1.0
N Ed 1322.7
= = 0.52  1.0
N c ,Rd 2560.3
 The compression resistance of the cross section is adequate.

Step 4: Buckling Resistance (Cl. 6.3.1)

The resistance to flexural buckling about minor axis is the critical case in this example.
Therefore the flexural buckling resistance (Nb,Rd) is determined for the z-z axis only.
 N Ed
 1.0 For Class 1, 2 and 3 cross section under flexural buckling,
N b, Rd
Af y
N b , Rd = 
 M1
1
=  1.0
 + 2 −  2


 = 0.5 1 +  ( − 0.2) +  2 
Af y Lcr 1
 LT = =
N cr i 1
E
1 = = 93.9 = 93.9(0.92) = 86.4
fy
Lcr = 0.85L = 4250mm
L 1  4250  1 
LT , z = cr =   = 0.76
i z 1  64.8  86.4 
From Table 6.3 and Table 6.5 of EC3-1-1:
h 254.1
= = 1.0  1.2 ; tf < 100 mm; S275; choose curve “b”
b 254.6
 = 0.34
 
= 0.5 1 +  ( z − 0.2) +  z
2


= 0.5 1 + 0.34(0.76 − 0.2 ) + (0.76) 2 
= 0.88
1
 =
 +  2 −  LT , z
2

1
=
0.88 + 0.882 − 0.762
= 0.76  1.0
Af y 93.1( 275)
N b,Rd =  = (0.76)  10−1 = 1945.8kN
 M1 1.0
N Ed 1322.7
= = 0.68  1.0
N b,Rd 1945.8
The flexural buckling resistance is adequate.

Step 5: Torsional and Torsional-flexural Buckling Check

The compression member is hot-rolled uniform member thus torsional and torsional-flexural
buckling resistance check is not required.

By inspection , the 203 x 203 x 46 UKC is adequate for the column design.

4.2 External Column

In EC3-1-1, clause 6.3.3(4) gives two expressions that should be satisfied for member with combined
bending and compression.

6.3.3 (4) Uniform members in bending and axial compression (From EN 1993-1-1
(2005)

Storey Loading S.W of Total load Reduc Total I.L Total load
(kN) col. DL(kN) IL(kN) tion in after D.L + I.L after
(kN) I.L reduction reduction
(kN) (kN)
4 DL = 72 5 77 27 0 27 1.35x77
IL = 27 +1.5x27=144.5
3 DL = 72 5 154 99 10% 89.1 1.35x154
IL = 72 (9.9) +1.5x89.1=341.6
2 DL = 72 6 235 171 20% 136.8 1.35x235
IL = 72 (34.2) +1.5x136.8=522.5
1 DL = 72 6 313 243 30% 170.1 1.35x313
IL = 72 (72.9) +1.5x170.1=677.7

N Ed, 1-2 = 677.7kN

Try 203 × 203 × 46 UKC

Design load for floor wF = 1.35(4.0) + 1.5(4.0) = 11.4 kN/m2 = 11.4  6

= 68.4 kN/m
F1 = 68.4 x 3 = 205.2kN

Moment developed from reaction of beam = Rbeam x D/2

= 68.4 x 3 x 0.203/2
 = 20.8kNm
h 0.203
M 1, y , Ed = F1 = 205.2 = 41.7 kNm
2 2
41.7
M y ,Ed = + 333 198  10−3 = 20.8 + 65.9 = 86.7kNm
2
Moment of M y,Rd is to divide equally as the ration of stiffness between top and bottom
column is less than 1.5.
My,Rd = 86.7/2 = 43.35kNm.

Design for external column from level 2 to ground level.

Af y
N b , Rd =  ;
 M1
N Ed M 1 672.3(1.0)
A= =  103 = 4075mm 2 = 40.75cm 2
f y 0.6(275)

From section property table, try 203 x 203 x 46UKC (A = 58.7 cm2):

b = 203.6 mm, h = 203.2 mm, t f = 11.0 mm, t w = 7.2 mm, c f / t f = 8.0, cw / t w = 22.3,
I y = 4570 cm4 , I z = 1550 cm4 , i y = 8.82 cm, iz = 5.13 cm, A = 58.7 cm2 , I w = 143  109 mm 6 ,
I T = 22.2  10 4 mm 4 , G = 81000 N / mm 2 , W pl = 497cm 3

Determination of NEd
From load distribution, N Ed = 677.7kN

Step 2: Section classification (refer to Table 5.2)

Since tf = 11.2 mm <40 mm, fy = 275N/mm2

0.5
 235 
 =  = 0.92
 275 
cf/tf = 8.0 < 14, the flange is NOT Class 4
cw/tw = 22.3 < 42, the web is NOT Class 4
 The section is NOT classified as Class 4 section (Class 1, 2 or 3 section).

Step 3: Cross-sectional resistance (Cl. 6.2.4)

The design compressive force, NEd should not be greater than the cross-section resistance
N Ed
Nc,Rd.  1.0
N c , Rd
For Class 1, 2 and 3 cross section,
Af y 58.7  275
N c , Rd = = 10−1 = 1614.2kN
 M0 1.0
N Ed 677.7
= = 0.42  1.0
N c,Rd 1614.2
 The compression resistance of the cross section is adequate.
Step 4: Buckling Resistance (Cl. 6.3.1)

The resistance to flexural buckling about minor axis is the critical case in this example.
Therefore the flexural buckling resistance (Nb,Rd) is determined for the z-z axis only.

N Ed
 1.0 For Class 1, 2 and 3 cross section under flexural buckling,
N b, Rd
Af y
N b , Rd = 
 M1
1
=  1.0
 + 2 −  2


 = 0.5 1 +  ( − 0.2) +  2 
Af y Lcr 1
 LT = =
N cr i 1
E
1 = = 93.9 = 93.9(0.92) = 86.4
fy
Lcr = 0.85 L = 4250 mm
Lcr 1  4250  1 
LT , z = =   = 0.96
iz 1  51.3  86.4 
From Table 6.3 and Table 6.5 of EC3-1-1:
h 203.2
= = 0.99  1.2 ; tf < 100 mm; S275; choose curve “b”
b 203.6
 = 0.34
  (
= 0.5 1 +  z − 0.2 + z ) 2


= 0.5 1 + 0.34(0.96 − 0.2) + (0.96) 2 
= 1.09
1
 =
 +  2 − LT , z
2

1
=
1.09 + 1.09 2 − 0.96 2
= 0.62  1.0
Af y 58.7(275)
N b,Rd = = (0.62)  10 −1 = 1005.0kN
 M1 1.0
N Ed 677.7
= = 0.67  1.0
N b,Rd 1005.0

The flexural buckling resistance is adequate.

Step 5: Buckling Moment Resistance

f yW pl , y
M y ,b , Rd =  LT
 M1
where Wy = Wpl,y for class 1 and class 2 cross-sections
Determine Mcr

 2 EI z  I w
Lcr 2GIT 
M cr = C1  + 
Lcr 2  I z  2 EI z 
From Table 4.2 of Chapter 4, C1 = 1.879

Loading and support conditions Bending moment diagram  Value of C1

+ 1.00 1.000

+ 0.75 1.141

+ 0.50 1.323

+ 0.25 1.563

0.00 1.879

- 0.25 2.281

- 0.50 2.704

- 0.75 2.927

- 1.00 2.752

  2 (210000 )(1550  10 4 )  143  10 9 (4250) 2 (81000 )(22.2  10 4 ) 

M cr = (1.879 )  +
 1550  10  2 (210000 )(1550  10 4 ) 
2 4
 4250
= 464.7 kNm

Non-dimensional lateral torsional slenderness  LT ,

M pl , Rd W pl , y f y 497  103  275

LT = = = = 0.54
M cr M cr 464.7  10 6

Select buckling curve and imperfection factor αLT,

Using Table 6.5 of EN 1993-1-1,

 h/b = 203.2/203.6 = 0.99

Therefore, for a rolled H-section with h/b< 2, use buckling curve “b”, αLT = 0.34 from Table
6.5 of EN 1993-1-1.
  LT  1.0
1 
 LT = but   LT  1
 LT + [ LT − (   LT ) ]
2 2 0.5
 2
  LT
 LT = 0.5[1 +  LT ( LT −  LT ,0 ) +  ( LT ) 2 ]
 
 LT = 0.5 1 + 0.34(0.54 − 0.4) + (0.75)(0.54) 2 = 0.63
1
 LT = = 1.06  1.0
0.63 + 0.63 − (0.75)(0.63) 2
2

1 1
= 2.52  1.0 ; take  LT = 1.0
LT 2
0.632

Buckling moment resistance:

f yW pl , y 275( 497)
M y ,b,Rd =  LT = 1.0  10−3 = 136.7kNm
 M1 1.0

3.0 FINAL DESIGN

3.1 Connections

3.1.1 Floor Beams – Internal Span Connections

The connection moment capacity must be compatible with the beam design assumptions. An
upper limit of 50% of the beam moment capacity should be respected.

Chosen beam is 452  140 UKB 46

Minimum required connection capacity

= 20% of beam capacity
= 0.2 x 244.2 = 48.8kNm < 65.9kNm Ok

Maximum allowable connection capacity

= 50% of beam moment capacity
= 0.5  240.5 = 120.3kNm > 65.9kNm Ok

From the tables of standard moment connections for a 406 x 140 UB 46 beam, connection
moment capacity for 1 row of M20 tension bolts, with a 200 12 flush end plate, is 65.9kNm

Check for vertical shearing capacity

Design value for shear force developed from reaction of beam

VEd = 68.4 x 3 = 205.2kN.< VcRd = 258kN (vertical shear)

Check for panel shear capacity.

VEd = 198.0 kN.< VcRd = 245kN (horizontal shear)

At floor 1, the selected column size is 203  203 UC 46, the moment capacity of the
connection has to be reduced using the value given in the “Column Side” table (Appendix C
of “Design of Semi-continuous Braced Frames”, page 46):

Moment capacity at connection, Mj = 198(333)  10-3 =65.9kNm

By inspection, the reduced moment capacity is within the limit.

Beam and connection OK!

4.0 DESIGN SUMMARY

Simple construction

Member Section Total Length (m) Total Steel Weight (kg)

Roof Beam 356  171 UB 45 6  4 = 24 1080
Floor Beam 457  152 UB 60 6  4  3 = 72 4320
Internal Column:
Storey R – L2 203  203 UC 46 6  4 = 24 1104
Storey L2 – G 254  254 UC 73 3  4 +3 x 5 = 27 1971
Total Steel Weight* (kg) 8475

Semi Continuous Construction

Member Section Total Length (m) Total Steel Weight (kg)

Roof Beam 356  127 UB 33 6  4 = 24 792
Floor Beam 406  140 UB 46 6  4  3 = 72 3312
Internal Column:
Storey R – L2 203  203 UC 46 6  4 = 24 1104
Storey L2 – G 254  254 UC 73 3  4 +3 x 5 = 27 1971
Total Steel Weight* (kg) 7179

5.0 COMPARISON TO DESIGN IN SIMPLE CONSTRUCTION

 8475 − 7179
Weight saving = 100% = 15.3%
8475