How Do I Connect a Steel Beam Into the Side of Another Beam?

When two beams need to meet at the same level — one framing into the web of the other — the standard connection is a flexible end plate (also called a shear plate). This is the most common steel-to-steel connection in domestic structural work.

What the Connection Consists Of

The fabricator welds a flat steel plate to the end of the secondary (incoming) beam. On site, this plate is bolted to the web of the primary (supporting) beam using grade 8.8 black bolts.

Standard materials unless noted otherwise by PorthouseDean:
– Plate grade: S275 mild steel
– Weld size: 6 mm full profile fillet weld
– Bolts: Grade 8.8 black bolts (not stainless or galvanised unless specified)

Your PorthouseDean documents will show the plate dimensions, number of bolts and spacing — these are sized to carry the shear force from the incoming beam.

What This Connection Does and Does Not Transfer

A flexible end plate takes shear force (the vertical load being transferred from the incoming beam to the supporting beam). It also provides a tying or restraining effect between the two beams.

What it does not transfer is a bending moment. This is intentional — the joint is designed to rotate slightly under load rather than carry moment, which simplifies the design and the fabrication.

The Installation Challenge

Unlike a beam sitting on top of another beam, there is no temporary resting position during erection. The incoming beam must be threaded horizontally into position and aligned precisely with the bolt holes in the supporting beam web before it can be bolted off. Your builder should plan for this — it typically requires working at height with adequate temporary support for the incoming beam while the connection is made.

Why Flush Ceilings Become Possible

Because both beams are at the same level (same soffit), this connection allows all steelwork to be fully concealed within the floor or ceiling void with a smooth, uninterrupted ceiling below. If this is important for your design, the flexible end plate connection is the way to achieve it.

Fabrication Drawing Approval

Before any fabrication begins, the steel fabricator must produce detailed workshop drawings and submit them to PorthouseDean for approval. This confirms that the connection as fabricated matches the structural design intent. Fees may apply if the review falls outside the original project scope.

Questions About Your Connection Details?

Contact PorthouseDean if you need the connection details explained or if site conditions mean the standard connection cannot be achieved.