Cap plate on column

[Anonymous]

I'm building steel modules that will be fabricated as separate assemblies.  The lower module will have column cap plates that match up with the column base plates on the upper module.  The only cap plate I've seen in the connection vault uses studs not bolts, can someone give me a hint on developing this connection??

[CHRIS_ASDL · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You can create this type of joint using the 'End Plate Splice Joint' from the Beam End to End Pallet. 

Hope that helps

.  

[muleman1 · Accepted solution]

see if this screencast helps, our disclaimer is they is very likely a better way.....

[Anonymous]

Thanks, appreciate the help guys, but I was unclear in my question, sorry, I'm very new to AS.  I just need the cap plate on the lower column.  The base plate (and bolts) on the upper column will be in a different (future) model.

I've built the splice by adding a column and using the solutions you've provided.  I can set the upper column to "not used" for everything, and place the column, upper plate and bolts on a special (no plot) layer so it "looks" right, but the upper plate and bolts still show in the BOM.  Is there a way to mark the upper plate and bolts as "not used" or "future" so they don't show up anywhere?

or

I can delete those parts of the connection leaving myself with just the cap plate, but that deletes the bolt holes as well so I have to add holes.  But then it isn't a "connection", its just a plate with holes.  I can copy it around (as long as I make sure to grab all the parts like the column shortening feature) but that isn't as user friendly as duplicating a "connection".  Is there a way to make those parts a "connection" for future use??  As I said, I'm very new to the application, so I'm just trying to figure out work flows.

[CHRIS_ASDL]

Hi,

Glad that we have both been able to help you so far 

Am I right in saying that all you need at this point is a plate welded to the top of the column with holes ready to accept the second phase of your project?

You then need a secondary plate (connection) that you will apply at a later date that will join both levels together?

[Anonymous]

Yes. Chris, that is correct.  The second phase however may not be for years and it may not even be us doing the work.

[CHRIS_ASDL · Accepted solution]

Hi Randall,

I have done a screencast for you to show you how I went about creating two custom connections.

The first one I produced is for the first phase of your project. The second one you will notice that I have turned off the numbering and bill of materials for the plate on the lower column as this will be already existing in the first phase of the project.

I modelled the elements of the joint using the End Plate Splice then just exploded the joint. There are tools available in the custom connection pallet that will enable you to do this, but I always find its quicker and more efficient to use an existing joint and then modify this accordingly.

Hope that helps. 

[Anonymous]

OUT - FRELLING - STANDING!! Is there a way to give multiple kudos??

Thanks Chris, that is EXACTLY what I needed.  I was good up to the create the custom connection and I knew it was possible just couldn't remember how.

oh ... I think I'm gonna need a bigger hard drive ...

... and a custom connection naming convention to make sorting through custom conns easier ...

... and a work flow procedure for the rest of the office ...

Thanks Chris, really.

[CHRIS_ASDL]

No problem. Glad It helped.

Custom connections are a really good addition to AS. I have well over 50 in my library. You will find in some cases that you will have to make multiple joints to suit the orientation of the beams. I have joints for Left, right, top and bottom. It all depends on the internal UCS of the section. 

Have fun and good luck with the naming convention 

[Anonymous]

how about connection a plate to the top of a column to bolt to a baseplate on the bottom of a frame? I've attached an image to show.