STANDARDS PINNED

and CONNECTIONS BASE

PRACTICES PLATES

I. BASE PLATE DESIGN PARAMETERS

Sidewall Columns:

The default minimum exterior column base depth is 12”. For this condition, a minimum
4-anchor bolt pattern is used as shown in figure 1. A 5" anchor bolt pitch and gage is
standard for this condition.

If the default 12” minimum column base depth is overridden to a depth between 8” and
12” ( 8”< d < 12”) , a 3-1/2" pitch x 5" gage anchor bolt pattern is provided with a 4-
anchor bolt minimum as show in figure 2.

If the default 12” minimum column base depth is overridden to a depth less than or
equal to 8” ( 7”≤ d ≤ 8” ), a 5" gage anchor bolt pattern is provided with 2- anchor bolts
as show in figure 3. This condition is not OSHA compliant.

d ≥ 12” 8”< d < 12” 7”≤ d ≤ 8”

g = 5” g = 5” g = 5”

d 5” d d

5” 3 1/2”
4”
4” 3”

outside face outside face outside face

bf 1/2” Standard bf 1/2” Standard bf 1/2” Standard

0” Flush 0” Flush 0” Flush
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Endwall Columns:

For 8 ½” gage end posts, a 2-anchor bolt pattern is used with a 5" anchor bolt gage as
shown in figure 4. The OSHA 4-anchor bolt minimum is not applicable for gage posts.

For 3-Plate endwall columns, if the column base depth d ≥ 12”, a 5" gage anchor bolt
pattern is provided with a minimum 4-anchor bolt pattern as shown in figure 1 (same as
sidewall column). A 5" anchor bolt pitch and gage is standard for this condition.

For 3-Plate endwall columns, if the column base depth is d < 12” and the weight of the
column is ≤ 270 pounds, a 2-anchor bolt pattern is provided per figure 5. The OSHA 4-
anchor bolt minimum is not applicable for posts weighing ≤ 270 pounds.

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If the column weight is > 270 pounds, a 3-1/2" pitch x 5" gage anchor bolt pattern is
provided with a 4-anchor bolt minimum as show in figure 5.

d = 8 ½” d < 12” ( > 270# ) d <12” ( < 270# )

g = 5” g = 5” g = 5”
8 1/2”

d d

3 1/2”
4” 4”
3”

outside face outside face outside face

1/2” Standard bf 1/2” Standard bf 1/2” Standard

bf 0” Flush
0” Flush 0” Flush
Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6

Interior Columns:

The default minimum interior column base depth is 10”. For this condition, a minimum
4-anchor bolt pattern is centered on the interior column as shown in figure 7. A 5"
anchor bolt pitch and gage is standard for this condition.

If the default 10” minimum column base depth is overridden to a depth less than 10”, a
5" gage anchor bolt pattern is provided with 2- anchor bolts as show in figure 8. This
condition is not OSHA compliant.

d ≥ 10” 8”≤ d < 10”

g = 5” g = 5”

d d
5”

Center Center
on column on column
bf bf

Figure 7 Figure 8

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3-Plate Soldier Columns: utilize 2 anchor bolt minimum patterns if the column depth d
< 12”.

It is assumed that the soldier column connection to soldier strut and bracing in
combination with the 2 bolt minimum base connection provides a stable column for
erection.

Portal Frame Columns: utilize 2 anchor bolt minimum patterns if the column depth
d < 12”.

It is assumed that the portal frame 4-bolt connection to the web of the main frame in
combination with the 2 bolt minimum base connection provides a stable column for
erection.

Lean-To Columns: utilize the detailing logic defined for sidewall columns.

Edge Distance:

For the 5" pitch anchor bolt patterns: the distance from edge of plate to first set of
anchor bolts is 4" which will provide a Building Line to anchor bolt dimension of 5-1/8"
for inset girt conditions and 12" for outset girt conditions.

For the 3-1/2" pitch anchor bolt patterns, the distance from edge of plate to first set of
anchor bolts is 3" which will provide a Building Line to anchor bolt dimension of 4-1/8"
for inset girt conditions and 11" for outset girt conditions.

AISC Design Guide Series 1, Column Base Plates, page 25 recommends a minimum
embedded edge distance of 5d > 4" for ASTM A307 anchor bolts unless considered in
design and/or additional anchor bolt reinforcement is used. For the 5" x 5" anchor bolt
pattern, edge distances for the 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" diameter anchor bolts with flush girt
conditions do not meet the 5d criteria. For the 3 1/2" x 5" anchor bolt pattern, edge
distances for the 1" diameter anchor bolt with flush girt conditions do not meet the 5d
criteria.

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Anchor Bolt and Base Plate Detailing Summary

Condition AB Quantity Column Depth Plate Designations AB Diameters

3
2 7” ≤ d ≤ 8" BPH-,BPC-, BPA- /4", 1", 1-1/4"

4 8”< d < 12" BPU-, BPT- (std.) 3

/4", 1"
Sidewall
BPW-, BPV- (flush)
Columns 3
4 d ≥ 12" BPF-,BPE-, BPD-,BPB- /4", 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2"
6 d ≥ 16" BPG- 1-1/2"
Endwall Gage 2 d = 8 1/2" BPH-,BPC-, BPA- 3
/4", 1", 1-1/4"
Columns
3
2 7” ≤ d ≤ 8" BPH-,BPC-, BPA- /4", 1", 1-1/4"
3
2 d < 12” BPH-,BPC-, BPA- /4", 1", 1-1/4"
Endwall 3-Plate weight < 270#
Columns BPU-, BPT- (std.) 3
4 d < 12” /4", 1"
weight ≥ 270# BPW-, BPV- (flush)
3
4 d ≥ 12" BPF-,BPE-, BPD-,BPB- /4", 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2"
6 d ≥ 16" BPG- 1-1/2"
3
Interior 2 d < 10" BPM-, BPJ- /4", 1"
Columns 4 d ≥ 10" BPL-, BPK-
3
/4", 1"

Other Plate Design Parameters

1. Plate Yield: Fy = 50 ksi

2. Plate Width: B = bf (rounded up to nearest inch) + 1” ; Bmin. = 8”

Note: Plate widths will be adjusted to insure AISC Table J3.5 Minimum
Edge Distances are satisfied for the anchor bolt diameter used.

3. Plate Length: N = d (rounded up to nearest inch) + 1” ; Nmin. = 7”

Distance from outside face of column to outside edge of plate is a

standard 1/2" except for flush conditions, which is 0".

4. Plate Thickness: 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8”, 1”, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2”

5. AB Diameter: db = 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2”

6. Plate Hole Dia.: Anchor bolt holes are bolt diameter + 1/8”.

7. AB Length: Length NBVP.

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PRACTICES PLATES

II. BASE PLATE DESIGN FOR COMPRESSION

Base plates are designed in accordance with the AISC 9th Edition ( 2nd printing ), page
3-106. This procedure incorporates AISC 9th Edition design for cantilever bending of
lengths “m” and “n”; however, evaluates λn' for small base plates.

bf

m P = Total column load, kips

A1 = B x N = Area of Base Plate, in.2
A2 = Full cross-sectional area of concrete
support, in.2
A1 = A2 ( assumed)
d .95 d N
Fb = Allowable bending stress in base plate, ksi
= 0.75 Fy
Fp = Allowable bearing pressure on support, ksi
= 0.35 f’c ( A2 / A1 )1/2 ≤ 0.7 f’c
f p = Actual bearing pressure, ksi
m = P/(BN)
n .80 bf n f’c = Concrete compressive strength, ksi
= 3 ksi ( assumed)
B
tp = Base plate thickness, in.

a. Plate Bending:

The required plate thickness for compression loads is given by the following equations
considering cantilever plate bending of lengths “m” and “n” at the plate perimeters and
cantilever bending of an effective length “n’ “ due to plate buckling within the area
bounded by d x bf. If plate thickness is controlled by “ n’ “, an additional check is made
utilizing design provisions for “Lightly Loaded Plates” or an effective cantilever bending
length of λn'. The required plate thickness is determined as follows:

fp
t p required = 2c where : c = max . (m, n, λn') as defined below :
Fy

1. Plate bending about “m” : 2. Plate bending about “n” :

m=
(N − 0.95 d ) and fp =
P
n=
(B − 0.80 b )
f
and fp =
P
2 BN 2 BN

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and CONNECTIONS BASE
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3. Plate Bending within Area Bounded by Column Flanges and Web

"Small Base Plates" :

"Small Base Plates" are defined as plates with relatively small m and n dimensions
such that N ≈ d and B ≈ bf. In this case, the plate bending within the area bounded by
the column depth and column flange width may control the plate design. Plate bending
boundaries are shown below. For heavier loads, the column load is assumed to be
distributed to the concrete area bounded by the plate dimensions N and B ≈ d and bf.
For light loads, the column load is assumed to be distributed to the concrete area over
an "H" shaped region adjacent to the column cross-section.

Boundary Conditions Heavily Loaded Lightly Loaded

bf bf bf

pinned pinned

λn’
fixed

fixed
free

free

d d d
fp
2 λn’ fp

pinned pinned

Plate bending is evaluated assuming an equivalent cantilever length for bending of λn' .

bf If the value of λ ≤ 1 (corresponds to a value of q =

n' = 1 d bf ≤ 0.64), the plate is lightly loaded conforming the "H"
4 2
shaped stress block dimension of λ with an area
fp = P of:
BN

λ =2
[ 1− 1− q ] ≤1.0 AH = 2bf (λ ) + (d - 2λ )(2λ ) with a stress fp = Fp
q
Note that the term λn' has been derived in terms of
4 f pd b f concrete bearing stress, fp = P / (BN) and the need
q= ≤ 1.0 to calculate AH is normally not required.
( d + b f ) 2 Fp
b. Plate Concrete Bearing:

( fp = P / N B ) ≤ ( Fp = .35 f’c = 1.05 ksi )

If fp > Fp, an inch is added to the plate width, B, and fp checked again. If necessary, an
inch is added to the plate length, N. Note that when the plate length is increased, the
added inch is added to the inside flange side for exterior columns and a 1/2” is added
to each flange side for interior columns. The process is repeated until fp ≤ Fp and plate
new dimensions B and N redefined.

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III.a. BASE PLATE UPLIFT CAPACITY ( 2 - BOLT PATTERN )

bf

Base Plate uplift capacity is derived from

plate bending about the column web and
plate bending about the column flanges.

d = column depth, in.

bf = column flange width, in.
d g = anchor bolt gage ( 5” assumed )
db = anchor bolt diameter, in.
3/4” min. assumed for analysis
Fy = 50 ksi
b = plate width for Sp determination, in.

g = 5”

bf / 2

45 o b
3/4”
bf / 2

Tw Tf
Flange

Bolt
Web

Base Plate Base Plate

Bolt

L = 5” - db L1 L1

Mp = Tw L / 8, Ma = 0.75 Fy Sp Mp = ( Tf ) ( L1) / 4, Ma = 0.75 Fy Sp

Sp = b t2 / 6 Sp = ( bf /2 ) t2 / 6 = bf t2 / 12
Setting Ma = Mp and solving for Tw: Setting Ma = Mp and solving for Tf:
Tw = Fy b t2 / L Tf = 0.25 Fy bf t2 / ( L1 )
b = 5” + 0.75” = 5.75” tf = 3/16” ( assumed )
L = 5” - db = 5” - 0.75” = 4.25” L1 = (d - 2 tf ) / 2 = (d - 0.375”) / 2
Tw = 1.3529 Fy t2 Tf = ( 1/4 ) Fy bf t2 / ( d - 0.375” )

Plate Capacity = ( 2 Tf + Tw ) * (4/3 wind)

= [ ( 1/2 ) Fy bf t2 / ( d - 0.375” ) + 1.3529 Fy t2 ] * (4/3 wind)

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III.b. BASE PLATE UPLIFT CAPACITY ( 4 - BOLT PATTERN )

bf

Base Plate uplift capacity is derived from

plate bending about the column web and
plate bending about the column flanges.

d = column depth, in.

bf = column flange width, in.
d p g = anchor bolt gage
db = anchor bolt diameter, in.
3/4” min. assumed for analysis
Fy = 50 ksi
b = plate width for Sp determination, in.

bf / 2
3/4”
p b
45 o bf / 2

Tw Tf Tf
Flange

Bolt
Web

Base Plate Base Plate

Bolt

L = g - db L1 L2 L1

Mp = Tw L / 8, Ma = 0.75 Fy Sp Mp = ( Tf ) ( L1 ), Ma = 0.75 Fy Sp
Sp = b t2 / 6 Sp = ( bf /2 ) t2 / 6 = bf t2 / 12
Setting Ma = Mp and solving for Tw: Setting Ma = Mp and solving for Tf:
Tw = Fy b t2 / L Tf = 0.0625 Fy bf t2 / ( L1 )
b = p + g + db tf = 3/16” ( assumed )
L = g - db L2 = p, L1 = (d - 2 tf - p ) / 2
Tw = 2.5294 Fy t2 for p = 5” Tf = ( 1/8 ) Fy bf t2 / ( d - 5.375” ) for p = 5”
Tw = 2.1765 Fy t2 for p = 3.5” Tf = ( 1/8 ) Fy bf t2 / ( d - 3.875” ) for p = 3.5”

Plate Capacity = ( 2 Tf + Tw ) * (4/3 wind)

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III.c. BASE PLATE UPLIFT CAPACITY ( 6 - BOLT PATTERN )

bf

Base Plate uplift capacity is derived from

plate bending about the column web and
plate bending about the column flanges.

d = column depth, in.

p bf = column flange width, in.
d g = anchor bolt gage
db = anchor bolt diameter, in.
p
3/4” min. assumed for analysis
Fy = 50 ksi
b = plate width for Sp determination, in.

bf / 2
5”
3/4” b
5” bf / 2
45 o

Tw Tf Tf Tf
Flange

Bolt
Web

Base Plate Base Plate

Bolt

L = g - db L1 L2 L2 L1

Mp = Tw L / 8, Ma = 0.75 Fy Sp
Sp = b t2 / 6 Mp = ( Tf ) ( L2 + 3 L1 ) / 2, Ma = 0.75 Fy Sp
Setting Ma = Mp and solving for Tw: Sp = ( bf /2 ) t2 / 6 = bf t2 / 12
Tw = Fy b t 2 / L Setting Ma = Mp and solving for Tf:
b = 2 p+ g” + db Tf = 0.125 Fy bf t2 / ( L2 + 3 L1 )
L = g - db tf = 3/16” ( assumed )
L2 = p, L1 = (d - 2 tf - 2 p) / 2
Tw = 3.7059 Fy t2 for p = 5”
Tf = ( 1/12 ) Fy bf t2 / ( d - 7.042” ) for p = 5”

Plate Capacity = ( 2 Tf + Tw ) * (4/3 wind)

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IV. COLUMN ERECTION STABILITY

Check Connection for 300# load 18" from Face of Column

per OSHA Section 1926.755 Anchor Bolts

φPn= φMn / d1 + φMn / d2 = 4.71 k

1 2
bf = 7”
φMn= 2φPn( d ) = 2(4.71)(4) = 32.96"-k
g = 5”

The weak axis capacity may be

obtained by using φMn= 2φPn( g ) =
d =12” 47.10 k which does not control.
tw = ¼ ”

5”
Applied Factored Moment due to 300#
b1 point load 18" off face of column:
d2 tf = ½ ” 4”

outside face
1/2”
Mx = 1.7(4.25"+18")300# = 11.35"-k Ok
b2 My = 1.7(18")300# = 9.18"-k Ok
d1
Anchor Bolt Capacity:
φPn= 0.75FnAb
Reference AISC Steel Design Guide
Fn = 0.75 Fu = 0.75(58ksi) = 43.5 ksi
Series 10, "Erection Bracing", Section
Ab ( 3/4"dia.) = 0.4418 in2
4.2
φPn= 0.75(43.5)( 0.4418) = 14.41 k/bolt
Mx 2φPnd = 2(14.41)(3.5) =101"-k Ok
Plate Bending Capacity:
My= 2φPnd = 2(14.41)(5) =144"-k Ok
t f= .120"
d1 = 2.5" & d2 = 2.5" - .120"/2 = 2.44"
Weld Capacity about y axis:
b1 = 2 d2 = 4.88" & b2 = 2.5"
Assume 3/16" fillet along 5" flange
t f= .120" , tp = 3/8", Fyp = 50ksi
Iy = (1/12)(.707)(3/16)(5)3 = 1.38 in.4
2 3 2 3 Sy = 1.38/2.5 = 0.55 in.3
Z1 = b1 tp / 4 = 4.88( /8) /4 = 0.1716 in.
φMn= φFw Sy = .75(.6)(1.5*70)(0.55)
φMn =φZ1 Fyp =.9(0.1737)(50) = 7.82"-k
1
2 3 2
Z2 = b2 tp / 4 = 2.5 ( /8) /4 = 0.0879 in.
3 = 26"-k ok
φMn =φZ2Fyp =0.9(.0879)(50) = 3.96"-k
2
In a similar fashion for a 3 plate
column, 12" depth, tf = 1" and same
anchor bolt layout, the plate bending
capacity is 32"-k with an applied
factored moment of 12 "-k.

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V. BASE PLATE WELDS

Weld design will progress from the

* minimum one sided 3/16” fillet to a two
sided 3/16” fillet both flanges and / or
N d
web as required. Design will continue
* Per Design through a 1/4” single and double sided
fillet welds. Minimum weld sizes are per
AISC Table J2.4.

bf Base shear is also checked along the

B
web and flanges.

The horizontal shear force, H, is V

assumed to be resisted by the column web

to base plate welds.

e
id
H
The vertical tension force, V, is assumed ts
ou

to be resisted by both web and flange to

base plate welds.
B

The horizontal shear force, B, ( normally associated with the bracing horizontal force
component ) is assumed to be resisted by the outside flange welds. If this is not
adequate, forces are proportionally distributed to both outside and inside flanges.
i.e., if a 3/16” one sided fillet is not adequate on the outside flange, loads are
distributed proportionally to the inside flange and welds rechecked. If not adequate, a
double sided fillet 3/16” is used and the process repeated.

Base plate welds are checked for combined loads per the following:

For unbraced bays, the total base plate weld is checked for the resultant of H and V or
R1 = ( H2 + V2 )½

For braced bays, the total base plate weld is checked for the resultant of R1 and B or
2 2 ½ 2 2 2 ½
R = ( R1 + B ) = ( H + V + B ) Note the force components H, V and B are per
applied load combination. For wind parallel to the ridge, V will include the vertical brace
component ( as well as the applicable column wind reaction due to wind parallel to the
ridge) and B will be the horizontal brace component.

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VI. BASE PLATE BEARING

In order to insure adequate column to base plate bearing, the following manufacturing
procedures have been established:

Web plate shall not exceed length of

flanges. (Tolerance = - 1/8” ; +0”).
Web
Plate
Any gap at web to base plate fit up
Flanges
requires weld increase as required by
AWS D1.1. Section 3.3.1 procedure for
filling of gaps. “If web separation is
greater than 1/16” , the leg of the fillet
shall be increased by the amount of the
Web length relative to flange root opening.”
length.

Tolerance = - 1/8 ; + 0
(Web shall NOT be longer than
flanges at column bases)

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