Abbes Berrais

This study consisted in the replication of BS EN 74-1:2005 Laboratory requirements and test procedures of Right Angle couplers currently available within the UK for use in falsework and scaffolds. In the UK all scaffolding couplers are tested to comply with the standards set out in BS EN 74-1:2005. All couplers tested in this research have been certified compliant to BS EN 74. These replicated laboratory tests investigated a perceived industry problem that whilst the tested specimen achieves the appropriate standard the subsequent manufacturing batches that are produced and sold with certificates of compliance do not in fact reach the required standard they are advertised as attaining. This research highlights a very concerning problem of consistency within scaffold coupler performance. Illuminating discrepancies between the performance of class B couplers available in the United Kingdom for use in falsework and scaffolds. Through laboratory testing, the assumption of a minimum capacity of an EN 74 class B coupler has been shown to be inaccurate. Possible reasons for these inconsistencies are discussed with recommendations for further investigation.

The design of moment-resisting joints can often be a laborious task if performed by manual calculation. This leads to potential rising of unnecessary labour costs when industry approved design tool would otherwise suffice. Steel connection designers are charged with specifying joint components such as plates, welds and bolts required that have structural capacity to transmit the loads which the connection is exposed to. This said connection design and its components need to be economical with regards to cost. However, a balance needs to be reached between the over-design of the connection leading to excessive capacities, and the finite element design that provides the connection with just what it needs to resist such loads. The aim of this paper is the description of an Excel based tool for the detailed design of bolted end plate connections between beams and columns in accordance to Eurocode 3. The design tool is practical, user friendly with minimum manual input and relatively transparent such that it provides the user with an easy step-by-step guide during the design process.