Arcus Engineering provides structural connection design and analysis services for steel, timber, reinforced concrete and hybrid structures.
Our team designs, verifies and optimizes structural joints according to the forces obtained from the global structural model, material behaviour, connection stiffness, fabrication requirements and construction conditions.
Analytical calculations and FEM-based connection models are used to verify the strength, stability, deformation and load-transfer behaviour of critical structural joints.
Connections transfer forces between structural elements and influence the behaviour of the complete load-bearing system.
Arcus Engineering designs structural joints according to:
Our scope may include:
Connections may be designed as nominally pinned, semi-rigid or rigid, depending on the required load-transfer and stiffness behaviour.
The objective is to develop connections that are safe, structurally efficient and practical to fabricate and assemble.
Connection Calculation Reports
Full analytical verification of connection components with force inputs, checks and utilization ratios per Eurocode.
FEM Connection Models
Detailed finite element models for highly loaded, complex or non-standard joints, evaluating local stress and deformation behaviour.
Connection Sketches & Details
Dimensioned connection geometry, plate, bolt, weld and anchor specifications ready for coordination or detailing.
Stiffness Verification
Rotational stiffness classification for semi-rigid joints, incorporated into the global structural model where required.
Fabrication-Aware Detailing
Connection geometry developed with bolt and weld access, fabrication tolerances and erection sequence in mind.
Coordination Documentation
Connection verification notes and technical details structured for review and coordination with detailing and fabrication teams.
Standard analytical methods are suitable for many conventional connection types.
For highly loaded, geometrically complex or non-standard joints, Arcus Engineering uses FEM analysis to evaluate local connection behaviour in greater detail.
FEM-based connection analysis may include:
The level of model complexity is selected according to the connection type, loading and required verification.
Connection verification considers how all components work together under the required loads.
Depending on the project, checks may include:
For base plates and anchorage systems, the analysis may also consider axial compression, uplift, shear forces, bending moments, grout layers, edge distances, anchor arrangement and interaction between steel and concrete components.
For timber and hybrid connections, the design considers fastener behaviour, spacing, material behaviour and deformation.
The exact checks depend on the structural material, geometry, loading and applicable design standard.
The assumed stiffness of a connection can have a significant influence on the behaviour of the global structural model.
Arcus Engineering evaluates whether a joint should be represented as nominally pinned, semi-rigid or rigid.
For semi-rigid joints, the rotational stiffness can be evaluated and incorporated into the global structural model where required.
This provides a more realistic representation of how the connection and the complete structure interact under load.
Force & requirement extraction
Member forces, geometry, material properties and stiffness requirements are collected from the structural model and project documentation.
Connection design & layout
Joint geometry, plates, bolts, welds or fasteners are selected according to the transferred forces and fabrication requirements.
FEM analysis where required
Highly loaded, complex or non-standard joints are evaluated using FEM to assess local stress, deformation and stiffness behaviour.
Component verification
Bolts, welds, plates, anchors and connected members are checked against applicable Eurocode provisions.
Documentation & coordination
Calculation reports, connection sketches and technical details are issued for design coordination and, where required, detailing.
A structurally adequate connection must also be practical to manufacture and assemble.
During connection development, our team considers:
Practical detailing can reduce unnecessary fabrication complexity and improve the clarity of the final documentation.
Depending on the agreed scope, deliverables may include:
Complete shop drawing and fabrication packages can be provided through our steel detailing service where included in the project scope.
Standards
Structural connections are designed according to applicable Eurocodes, National Annexes and project requirements.
Depending on the material and connection type, relevant standards may include:
Concrete
Concrete-related connection and anchorage design
Steel
Steel connection design
Timber
Timber connection design
Seismic
Seismic connection requirements
The exact standards are defined according to the structure, jurisdiction and agreed engineering scope.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you with a clear scope and timeline.
Request a Quote →Case Studies
CFD-Assisted Zipline Tower Redesign
Connections were reassessed following increased horizontal forces caused by changed wind exposure.
View Zipline Tower Project→Seismic Assessment and Reinforcement of an Existing Industrial Platform
Connection verification and bracing reinforcement addressed increased seismic demand on an existing industrial platform.
View Industrial Platform Project→Need connection calculations, FEM-based joint analysis, stiffness verification or technical connection documentation?
Send Arcus Engineering your structural model, member forces, geometry, material specifications and available project documentation.
Our team will review the requirements and prepare a tailored connection design proposal.