SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Design structural steelwork connections 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114220  Design structural steelwork connections 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  11 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Describe, calculate and illustrate flexible beam end connections, member end moment connections, eccentrically loaded connections and associated elements, beam and column splices, truss, lattice girder and bracing connections and describe, calculate and illustrate column bases
  • The contribution to The National Skills Development Strategy is the key developmental interface between learners and new competencies to be achieved.
  • Learners who master the applied competence described in this unit standard will be able to design safe and economical connections for structural steelwork assemblies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills, attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Mathematical numeracy (geometry and trigonometry) at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Draughting skills (freehand and 3-dimensional).
  • Communication (written and verbal) at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Basic computer literacy - NQF Level 3.
  • Learners will have demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of the mechanical properties of bolts, set screws and welds and their application in the design of connections for structural steelwork assemblies. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range of moments applied to eccentrically loaded bolted brackets include but are not limited to:
    Moments applied in the plane of the connection and moments applied normal to the plane of the connection. Prying action to be included for bolts in tension where applicable.

    Range of eccentrically loaded bolted connections and associated elements include but are not limited to:
    Buckling resistance of web of brackets, strength of column flanges, strength of top flange of brackets, bearing resistance of web of bracket.

    Range of moments applied to eccentrically loaded welded brackets include but are not limited to:
    Moments applied in the plane of the connection and moments applied normal to the plane of the connection.

    Range of eccentrically loaded welded connections and associated elements include but are not limited to:
    Buckling resistance of web of brackets, strength of column flanges, strength of top flange of brackets, bearing resistance of web of bracket

    Range of structural considerations include but are not limited to:
    Location of splices, Lateral restraint at points of potential instability, Distribution of forces and moments between flange and web, different section sizes in a splice joint

    Range of types of column bases include but are not limited to:
    Nominally pinned bases, moment resisting bases with or without stiffeners. Columns may be subjected to both axial compression as well as axial tension. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe, calculate and illustrate flexible beam and connections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Welded end plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Beam over beam connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Block shear failure of notched beams with bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Stability and stiffening if required, to the webs of beams with single and double flange notches is checked and calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Welded side plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Seating cleats and shear pads are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe, calculate and illustrate member end moment connections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Site bolted and welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated in accordance with SABS 0162-1:1993. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Extended end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Flush end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Portal haunch connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Portal apex connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe, calculate and illustrate eccentrically loaded connentions and associated elements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Eccentrically loaded bolted brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Eccentrically loaded welded brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Eccentrically loaded bolted gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Eccentrically loaded welded gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe, calculate and illustrate beam and column splices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Structural considerations for the analysis and design of beam and column splices are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Butt jointed welded beam and column splices are described and illustrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Bolted beam and column splices, with splice plates, are described, illustrated and calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Welded beam and column splices, with splice plates, are described, illustrated and calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. End-plate beam and column splices are described, illustrated and calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe, calculate and illustrate truss, lattice girder and bracing connections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Moments and shear forces from eccentricities at connections are described, illustrated and calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Distribution of calculated moments to members intersecting at the connection are calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Resistances of all elements and members intersecting at the connection are calculated and checked against revised loading derived from eccentricities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Dispersion of force into gusset plates is described, illustrated and resistances calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Gusset plates at node points are checked and resistances calculated for load transfer from one member to another. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Describe, calculate and illustrate column bases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of column bases are described and illustrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Effective areas of base plates for columns loaded in axial compression, based on pre-determined concrete bearing pressures, are calculated for design purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Thicknesses of base plates are calculated in relation to the bending moment derived from the effective area and pressure parameters. Suitable holding down bolts are assessed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Base plates thicknesses for columns subject to axial tension are calculated in accordance with the appropriate forces from the holding down bolts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Effective areas of bases for axially loaded and moment resisting columns, based on pre-determined concrete bearing pressures, are calculated for design purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Thicknesses of base plates for axially loaded and moment resisting columns are calculated in relation to the bending moment derived from the effective area and pressure block or the bending moment derived from the holding down bolts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Holding down bolts for base plates subject to axial loads and moments are assessed.. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the CETA - ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the CETA - ETQA.
  • CETA - ETQA or other ETQA`s, who have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with CETA-ETQA, would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Design of flexible beam end connections.
  • Design of member end moment connections.
  • Design of eccentrically loaded connections and associated elements.
  • Design of beam and column splices.
  • Design of truss, lattice girder and bracing connections.
  • Design of column bases. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems.

    Evident in the following specific outcomes:

    1. Describe, calculate and illustrate flexible beam end connections.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Welded end plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Beam over beam connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Block shear failure of notched beams with bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Stability and stiffening if required, to the webs of beams with single and double flange notches is checked and calculated.
    Welded side plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Seating cleats and shear pads are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    2. Describe, calculate and illustrate member end moment connections.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Site bolted and welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated in accordance with SABS 0162-1:1993.
  • Extended end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Flush end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Portal haunch connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Portal apex connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    3. Describe, calculate and illustrate eccentrically loaded connections and associated elements.

    Assessment criteria:
    Eccentrically loaded bolted brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Eccentrically loaded welded brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Eccentrically loaded bolted gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Eccentrically loaded welded gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    4. Describe, calculate and illustrate truss, lattice girder and bracing connections.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Distribution of calculated moments to members intersecting at the connection are calculated.
  • Resistances of all elements and members intersecting at the connection are calculated and checked against revised loading derived from eccentricities.
  • Dispersion of force into gusset plates is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Gusset plates at node points are checked and resistances calculated for load transfer from one member to another.
  • Thicknesses of base plates are calculated in relation to the bending moment derived from the effective area and pressure parameters. Suitable holding down bolts are assessed.
  • Base plates thicknesses for columns subject to axial tension are calculated in accordance with the appropriate forces from the holding down bolts.
  • Effective areas of bases for axially loaded and moment resisting columns, based on pre-determined concrete bearing pressures, are calculated for design purposes.
  • Thicknesses of base plates for axially loaded and moment resisting columns are calculated in relation to the bending moment derived from the effective area and pressure block or the bending moment derived from the holding down bolts.
  • Holding down bolts for base plates subject to axial loads and moments are assessed. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Employ self management. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Manage information

    Evident in the following specific outcomes:

    1. Describe, calculate and illustrate flexible beam end connections

    Assessment criteria:
  • Bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Welded end plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Beam over beam connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Block shear failure of notched beams with bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Stability and stiffening if required, to the webs of beams with single and double flange notches is checked and calculated.
  • Welded side plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Seating cleats and shear pads are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    2. Describe, calculate and illustrate member end moment connections.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Site bolted and welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated in accordance with SABS 0162-1:1993.
  • Extended end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Flush end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Portal haunch connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Portal apex connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    3. Describe, calculate and illustrate eccentrically loaded connections and associated elements.

    Assessment criteria:
    Eccentrically loaded bolted brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Eccentrically loaded welded brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Eccentrically loaded bolted gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
    Eccentrically loaded welded gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    4. Describe, calculate and illustrate beam and column splices.

    Assessment criteria:
    Structural considerations for the analysis and design of beam and column splices are described.
    Butt jointed welded beam and column splices are described and illustrated.
    Bolted beam and column splices, with splice plates, are described, illustrated and calculated.
    Welded beam and column splices, with splice plates, are described, illustrated and calculated.
    End-plate beam and column splices are described, illustrated and calculated.

    5. Describe, calculate and illustrate truss, lattice girder and bracing connections.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Moments and shear forces from eccentricities at connections are described, illustrated and calculated.
  • Distribution of calculated moments to members intersecting at the connection are calculated.
  • Resistances of all elements and members intersecting at the connection are calculated and checked against revised loading derived from eccentricities.
  • Dispersion of force into gusset plates is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Gusset plates at node points are checked and resistances calculated for load transfer from one member to another.

    6. Describe, calculate and illustrate column bases.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Types of column bases are described and illustrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence.

    Evident in the following specific outcomes:

    1. Describe, calculate and illustrate flexible beam end connections.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Welded end plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Beam over beam connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Block shear failure of notched beams with bolted angle cleat connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Stability and stiffening if required, to the webs of beams with single and double flange notches is checked and calculated.
  • Welded side plate connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Seating cleats and shear pads are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    2. Welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Site bolted and welded moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated in accordance with SABS 0162-1:1993.
  • Extended end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Flush end plate moment connections are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Portal haunch connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Portal apex connection is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    3. Describe, calculate and illustrate eccentrically loaded connections and associated elements.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Eccentrically loaded bolted brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Eccentrically loaded welded brackets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Eccentrically loaded bolted gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Eccentrically loaded welded gussets are described, illustrated and resistances calculated.

    4. Describe, calculate and illustrate beam and column splices.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Butt jointed welded beam and column splices are described and illustrated.
  • Bolted beam and column splices, with splice plates, are described, illustrated and calculated.
  • Welded beam and column splices, with splice plates, are described, illustrated and calculated.
  • End-plate beam and column splices are described, illustrated and calculated.

    5. Describe, calculate and illustrate truss, lattice girder and bracing connections.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Moments and shear forces from eccentricities at connections are described, illustrated and calculated.
  • Distribution of calculated moments to members intersecting at the connection are calculated.
  • Resistances of all elements and members intersecting at the connection are calculated and checked against revised loading derived from eccentricities.
  • Dispersion of force into gusset plates is described, illustrated and resistances calculated.
  • Gusset plates at node points are checked and resistances calculated for load transfer from one member to another.

    6. Describe, calculate and illustrate column bases.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Thicknesses of base plates are calculated in relation to the bending moment derived from the effective area and pressure parameters. Suitable holding down bolts are assessed.
  • Base plates thicknesses for columns subject to axial tension are calculated in accordance with the appropriate forces from the holding down bolts.
  • Effective areas of bases for axially loaded and moment resisting columns, based on pre-determined concrete bearing pressures, are calculated for design purposes.
  • Thicknesses of base plates for axially loaded and moment resisting columns are calculated in relation to the bending moment derived from the effective area and pressure block or the bending moment derived from the holding down bolts.
  • Holding down bolts for base plates subject to axial loads and moments are assessed.
  • Thicknesses of base plates are calculated in relation to the bending moment derived from the effective area and pressure parameters. Suitable holding down bolts are assessed. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Understand contextual world-system. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48636   National Diploma: Structural Steelwork Detailing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Academic Institute of Excellence 
    2. Centurion Akademie 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.