Design of single-span beams for SLS and ULS using semi-continuous beam-to-column joints - Part 1: Beams with constant bending stiffness and joints according to EN 1993-1-8

This article explains a method for determining how semi-continuous joints influence the deflection, natural frequency and bending moment distribution of single-span beams with constant inertia under uniformly distributed load. The method is adequate for simple hand calculations, allowing the structural engineer to assess potential savings already in the pre-design phase. Further, the economical potential of semi-continuous joints according to EN 1993-1-8 [1] is demonstrated by an application example.