Economic impact of overspecifying simple connections

Abstract

For the general case it is possible to determine a reasonable estimate of the economic sacrifice incurred when a larger connection than required is used. The focus of this paper is the extent of this economic sacrifice. For simplicity, a standard configuration of the double-angle connection is considered in which only n, the number of bolt rows (and, consequently, the length of the angles), varies. Based on values of n from 2 to 10, the cost of these standard connections is estimated. Ranges of n compatible with each beam size group are identified, and the percent increase in cost which results when a larger connection then required is used is then determined over these ranges.