Load and Resistance Factor Design Criteria for Connectors

Abstract

Design criteria based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) approach must include a treatment of connections. The nominal resistance and resistance factor terms for the principal structural steel fastening elements (welds, high-strength bolts, and ordinary bolts) are developed. Sufficient statistical information relative to the development is given so that a critical evaluation of the choices presented can be made. The work shows that current design values for different connectors provide substantially different levels of reliability.