Certified Joint Integrity & Engineering Solutions
The nuts and bolts that hold the steel girders in place are what holds the whole building together. In structural engineering, design blueprints establish the layout, but the actual connections—the joints, weld details, and gusset sizes—must be engineered for load transfer, safety, and fabricator efficiency.
At Alpha Steel Services, we bridge the gap between design engineering and fabrication shop realities. Our experienced engineers analyze shear loads, wind moments, and seismic stress to design optimal connection details that are safe, code-compliant, and cost-effective to fabricate.
Shear (Simple) Connections
We design beam-to-column, beam-to-girder, and beam-to-wall connections using double angle cleats, shear tabs (single plates), end plates, and seating angles. Our designs balance material usage with ease of field bolting.
Moment (Rigid) Connections
For buildings resisting lateral forces (wind and seismic loads), we design moment-resisting joints, including welded flange-bolted web (WUF-B), bolted flange plate (BFP), double-split tee (DST), and end-plate moment connections (AISC 358 pre-qualified connections).
PE Stamping & Calculations
Our connection engineering designs are backed by complete, rigorous calculation packages. We provide Professional Engineer (PE) stamps and seals for project states across the USA, satisfying local municipal inspectors, developers, and project structural engineers of record (EOR).
Deliverables List
Each connection design project includes a thorough, professional calculation packet:
PE Stamps & Seals
Certified calculation coversheets sealed by a registered Professional Engineer for structural compliance.
Calculation Packages
Detailed reports showing weld sizing, bolt shearing, plate tension, and member checks under design loads.
Connection Details & Sketches
Drafted details showing exact weld configurations, bolt spacings, and plate dimensions for detailing input.
RFI & EOR Resolutions
Technical support to resolve connection clearance issues and obtain EOR approval.
Why Partner With Us?
Connection engineering is not just about meeting code—it directly impacts your bottom line. We design connections with "fabricator choice" in mind, meaning we optimize designs for your shop's specific capabilities (e.g., preference for shop welding vs. field bolting, standard plate thicknesses, and drilling setups).