All settings required for the calculation are entered in the input tables. In addition, you can define the parameters that you want to use for the design.

The member ends to be designed can be selected graphically in the model. END-PLATE recognizes the corresponding cross-sections and their dimensions automatically. Furthermore, you can specify welds, bolt arrangement, end plate geometry and welds continuity. The graphics on the right in the module are adjusted dynamically in accordance with each modification that is entered. The end plate thickness, the welds and the bolt diameter can either be designed automatically by the program or defined by yourself. For connections at different locations, it is possible to select a structural, standardized connection type.

As END-PLATE determines automatically the governing internal forces from the load cases selected for the design, no manual input is required.

The structural connection elements are calculated taking into account the plastic characteristics of the material. Thus, you can adjust the structural behavior concerning the bolt size in relation to the end plate thickness in an optimal way.   

Irrespective of the selected design criteria and the type of connection, it is possible to calculate the welds in advance. Then, the shear force V_z,d will be assigned completely to the web weld a_S, whereas the axial force N_d and the moment M_y,d, depending on the welds' size and design ratio, will be absorbed by the web and the flange weld. The calculation is performed for the welds in plastic state and is carried out iteratively.

The calculation of the bolts is simplified, that means that the bolts in the tension zone absorb the tensile force, whereas the bolts in the compression zone carry the vertical force by shearing and hole bearing. The compressive force is absorbed by contact with the flange subjected to compression, and therefore it doesn't affect the bolts.

All results of the dimensioning and the designs are displayed in detail in clearly arranged tables. An error list shows the non-designable elements or the recommendations that haven't been followed.

Due to the integration in RSTAB, subsequent modifications to the structure and load are automatically taken into account for the connections to be designed. In case one of the designs could not be fulfilled, END-PLATE highlights the relevant table row.

The output is represented in the global printout report of RSTAB, available as well-arranged short or full version.

Finally, it is possible to export all tables to MS Excel or OpenOffice.org Calc or in a CSV file without any problems. All specifications required for the export are defined in a special transfer menu.