Steel Joint Design Under Structural Codes
How structural steel codes (EN 1993, AISC) govern bolted and welded joint design — and how this differs from aerospace fastener analysis.
What is it?
Structural steel codes define design rules for bolted and welded connections in buildings, bridges and infrastructure. EN 1993-1-8 covers joint design in Eurocode 3. AISC 360 covers it in the US. The approach uses component-based design with specific checks for bolt shear, bolt tension, bearing, block shear and weld capacity.
Key differences from aerospace fastener analysis
- Civil codes use partial factors; aerospace uses a single safety factor
- Civil bolt grades (e.g. 8.8, 10.9) differ from aerospace fastener specifications
- Bearing strength is treated differently: civil codes allow bearing deformation; aerospace typically does not
- Slip-critical connections: civil codes address friction-grip bolted joints; aerospace uses preload differently
- Weld design: civil codes use fillet weld throat or butt weld full penetration; aerospace has additional fitting factors