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ATLSS Beam-to-Column Connections
The Need
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The technology area of connections for steel
structures has not kept pace with the material and design advances in the steel area.
There is a need to develop connections that are faster and easier to assemble. Connections
are a labor intensive and time intensive part of steel erection and innovations are
needed. |
The Technology
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The ATLSS Connection (AC) is a new
beam-to-column connection consisting of a tenon, which is bolted and welded to the end of
the beam, and a mortise, which is attached to the column and into which the tenon is
dropped. It is safer, easier, and faster to erect and fit-up than traditional
beam-to-column connections. The cast-steel connection is self-guiding and self-aligning,
and it requires a single bolt as a field fastener. It facilitates modular construction,
speeds erection time, and increases worker safety. |
The Benefits
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During a pilot test in a chemical plant, a 20'
x 30' bay consisting of many individual members was pre-assembled on the ground using
traditional connections and erected with the AC on each corner. It realized a 40% erection
time savings compared to erection of a similar bay in an adjacent span using traditional
methods. And there was no need for ironworkers to be on unsecured beams during erection,
as required by traditional methods. |
Status
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Development work is continuing for other
versions of the connection including a full moment connection, a composite concrete/steel
system, and a version using tubular steel members. The current connection uses
conventional cranes, but the ultimate goal is to develop automated crane systems that take
full advantage of connection capabilities. ATLSS is developing a
government/industry/university consortium and commercialization strategy to move AC to the
field. |
Barriers
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The ATLSS connection has been used
successfully although the use has been limited. Further use and technology transfer to the
industry will be required. |
Points of Contact
William D. Michalerya, Manager of Industry Liaison ATLSS
Center; 117 ATLSS Drive, Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
KGM04
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