Steel Connection Design Analyzer
Analyze steel connections against AISC code with load paths and failure modes
What You Can Do
You can systematically evaluate connection capacity against applied loads, identify governing failure modes, and verify AISC 360 compliance. The skill generates professional design documentation including load path diagrams, capacity calculations, and engineering justifications that are ready for peer review, permit submissions, and inspector scrutiny.
Features
assesses bolted and welded connections against applied moment, shear, and tension loads
systematically evaluates bolt shear, bearing, tension, weld rupture, block shear, and gusset plate failure
verifies design against current AISC standards and industry best practices
produces clear visual descriptions of force flow through connection components
creates structured engineering justifications with calculations and assumptions
evaluates multiple design concepts to support value engineering and optimization decisions
validates changes to standard connection details with capacity verification
Example Output
Example 1: Moment Connection Analysis
Connection Type: Welded moment connection, W24×68 to W24×68 Applied Load: 450 kip-ft moment, 80 kips shear
Load Path: Moment splits into tension/compression couple in flanges → top flange tension (225 kips) to top weld → bottom flange compression (225 kips) to bottom weld → shear transferred through web welds
Failure Mode Check:
- Flange weld capacity (E70 fillet, 5/8"): 312 kips > 225 kips ✓
- Web weld capacity (E70 fillet, 1/2"): 180 kips > 80 kips ✓
- Gusset plate bearing: 95 kips > 80 kips ✓
Governing Failure Mode: Weld rupture (lowest capacity margin)
Example 2: Bolted Shear Connection Assessment
Connection Type: Double-angle connection, 9/16" A325 bolts Applied Load: 120 kips shear
Capacity Summary:
- Bolt shear (8 bolts, 2 planes): 224 kips ✓
- Bolt bearing (3/8" gusset): 156 kips ✓
- Block shear (angle leg): 142 kips ✓
- Angle leg rupture: 165 kips ✓
Recommendation: Connection adequate; consider bolt arrangement for better eccentricity distribution in high-seismic zones
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with detailed analyzer configuration:
- Connection capacity worksheet template for standard connection types (moment, shear, tension):
- Failure mode checklist covering bolt shear, bearing, tension, weld rupture, block shear, and gusset plate:
- Load path diagram framework with notation conventions for clarity:
- Design narrative template structured for permit submissions and peer review:
Who It's For
- Structural engineers designing building frame connections and preparing shop drawing submittals
- Structural technicians documenting connection design for permit packages and field verification
- Junior engineers learning systematic connection design methodology and code compliance verification
- Design engineers conducting value engineering reviews and comparing connection concepts
- Forensic engineers assessing modifications to existing connection details and capacity issues
Best For
- Designing bolted and welded moment, shear, and tension connections in steel frames
- Verifying connection adequacy during design revisions and constructability reviews
- Generating design narratives and calculations for building permit submissions
- Evaluating modifications to standard connection details with capacity assessment
- Documenting design decisions and failure mode rankings for project records and audits
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