Empirical design of connections

In the following discussion, we will designate the elements of any connection by a specific nomenclature, dependent on the idea of a load path. An element that is closer to the foundation on the load path is designated a connecting part, while an element farther removed from the foundation on the load path is called a connected part. Thus, where an infill beam in a steel structure connects to the girder, the infill beam is the connected part, and the girder is the connecting part. The bolts, welds, plates, and other elements will be referred to as the connectors. Although these terms will not always be identical to the way that the connection is described in the field, it is necessary to use greater precision in this discussion.