15.

4 Portal frame connections

15.4.1 Portal frame – haunch
a) Assume the number and type of bolts required at 1 and 2 (see Fig. 31) to resist the factored
bending moment, and locate them to obtain the maximum lever arm.
b) Using the force distribution shown in Fig. 22, calculate the resistance moment. If this is
less than the applied moment increase the number and/or size of bolts.
c) Check the thickness of the end plate required to resist the bending moments caused by the
bolt tension. Double curvature bending of the plates may be assumed since bolts occur on
both sides of the web. Prying forces may be ignored providing the ‘simple method’ for
bolt tension capacity is used, see Section 14.2.2.
d) Check that the sum of the horizontal bolt forces, including any added at step b), can be
resisted by the column in shear.
e) Check the bending stresses in the column flange caused by the bolt tension, assuming
double curvature bending as in c). A local stiffener may need to be added.
f) Calculate the additional bolts required at 3 (see Fig. 31) to resist the applied vertical shear
by checking the single shear capacity of the bolts and the bearing on the end plate and on
the column flange.
g) Check for reversal of moment due to wind, as this may govern the design of bolts and of
the stiffeners.
h) Check the haunch flange in bearing, where it meets the end plate. The flange bearing
stress may be taken as 1.4py. This is justified by two localised effects, strain hardening
and some dispersion into the web at the root of the section.
i) Opposite the haunch bottom flange, check the column web and, if present, the stiffener
in bearing and buckling.
j) Where the flange of the haunch meets the rafter, check the rafter web in bearing and
buckling.

Local flange stiffeners

1
2
d
See Fig. 22 M = Applied bending moment
3 M V = Applied shear
X = Centre of rotation
V
Bolts at levels 1 and 2
resist moment
X
Bolts at level 3 resist shear
Fitted stiffener

Fig. 31 Portal frame – haunch

90 IStructE/ICE Manual for the design of steelwork building structures 3rd edition