Steel connections in RFEM 6 are defined as an assembly of components. In the new Steel Joints add-on, universally applicable basic components (plates, welds, auxiliary planes) are available for entering complex connection situations. The methods with which connections can be defined are considered in two previous Knowledge Base articles: “A Novel Approach to Designing Steel Joints in RFEM 6" and “Defining Steel Joint Components Using the Library".
Fin plate connections are a popular form of pinned steel connection and are commonly used for secondary beams in steel structures. They can be used easily in beam structures arranged on the top edge (for example, working platforms). Manufacturing expenditures in the workshop as well as the onsite assembly costs are normally manageable. The design seems to be completed easily and quickly, but it has to be put into perspective to a certain extent in the following text. Moreover, this connection type is basically possible as a pinned beam-to-beam or pinned beam-to-column connection; the former case is the more common one in design practice.