Web-side-plate steel and composite framing connections

The web-side-plate connection is by far the most common connection used in Australia to support simply-supported steel or composite beams in steel building frames. It is also used extensively in other developed countries, although known by different names and its details may vary. However, significant issues still exist about designing and using the connection in practice. An extensive series of new Australian tests was undertaken on the connection, and an improved design model was developed for the bare steel state. This allowed some significant restrictions to be removed that applied at the time to the Australian design method. In composite construction, longitudinal reinforcement located in the concrete slab over the connection can cause problems in practice under both serviceability and ultimate load conditions, which can only be avoided if the behaviour of the web-side-plate composite connection is understood better and appropriate design rules are developed. It may also be necessary to modify the connection.