# Steel Connection Design Ireland | EN 1993-1-8 Calcs for Fabricators > Steel connection design to I.S. EN 1993-1-8 for fabricators in Ireland: end plates, fin plates, base plates and splices. Signed calcs, fast turnaround. URL: https://structuralengineer.ie/steel-connection-design/ # Steel Connection Design in Ireland Connection calcs for fabricators and contractors: end plates, fin plates, base plates, splices and bolt groups, checked to I.S. EN 1993-1-8 and turned around to suit your shop. [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764) [Get a fixed fee](#quote) _Image: Bolted end-plate connection between a steel beam and column in a fabrication workshop_ - I.S. EN 1993-1-8 Design of joints - I.S. EN 1993-1-1 Steel design - I.S. EN 1992-1-1 Concrete (base plates) - I.S. EN 1090-2 Execution of steel structures - S275 / S355 structural steel Last updated: 14 October 2026 · Reviewed by Joachim Louw, CEng MIEI [StructuralEngineer.ie](https://structuralengineer.ie/) provides steel connection design for steel fabricators, contractors and engineers across Ireland. Joachim Louw (CEng MIEI) designs and checks connections to I.S. EN 1993-1-8 using the member forces from the main design: beam-to-column and beam-to-beam end plates and fin plates, column base plates and holding-down bolts, splices, and bracing connections. You get calculations and connection details your shop can detail from. Connection design is commonly left to the fabricator under the contract, but many smaller fabricators don't have an engineer in-house. This service fills that gap, from a single goalpost frame for a house extension to a small commercial frame. ## What happens on the first visit Connection design usually starts from drawings, not a site visit. Send the general arrangement, the member sizes and the design forces or reactions from the main engineer, plus any shop preferences for plate thickness, bolt grade or weld type. Where forces haven't been given, they can be derived from the main design, or agreed with the main engineer. - General arrangement drawings and member schedule - Design forces or reactions at each connection type - Steel grade (S275 or S355) and corrosion protection - Shop preferences: bolt grade, plate stock, weld procedures - Site constraints: erection sequence, access, tolerances - Programme and fabrication slot ## What gets designed Simple connections: fin plates, flexible end plates and web cleats, checked for shear, bolt bearing, block tearing and weld capacity, with enough rotation capacity for the simple-joint assumption. Moment connections: extended end plates and haunches for portal frames and goalposts, checked by the component method in I.S. EN 1993-1-8. Base plates and holding-down bolts are checked for bearing on the grout and concrete, plate bending and anchorage. Splices and bracing connections are designed for the forces and any reversal. ## Deliverables and coordination You get calculations for each connection type with a summary schedule, and sketches showing plate sizes, bolt numbers, grades and weld sizes for your detailer. Queries from the main engineer or the checker are answered as part of the fee. Where a connection forces a member change, it is flagged before you order steel. ## What's included - Review of GA drawings and member forces - Simple connection design (fin plates, end plates, cleats) - Moment connection design (end plates, haunches) - Base plates and holding-down bolts - Splices and bracing connections - Connection schedule and detail sketches - Responses to checker queries - Calculations signed by a Chartered Engineer Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit. ## Standard tables, software output only, or engineered connections What arrives on the checker's desk. | Check | Standard tables only | Software output only | Engineered and signed | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Checked against the actual forces | No | Yes | Yes | | Shop preferences built in | No | sometimes | Yes | | Engineer answers checker queries | No | No | Yes | | Signed by a Chartered Engineer | No | No | Yes | Talk to the engineer 01 270 9764 Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00. Callback the same working day. [Call now](tel:+35312709764) Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit. Standards we design to - I.S. EN 1993-1-8 Design of joints - I.S. EN 1993-1-1 Steel design - I.S. EN 1992-1-1 Concrete (base plates) - I.S. EN 1090-2 Execution of steel structures - S275 / S355 structural steel Before you book: costs and rules - [RSJ vs Lintel vs Steel Beam: What's the Difference?](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/rsj-vs-steel-beam-vs-lintel/) How the job runs ## How connection design is turned around - 01 ### Send drawings GA drawings, member sizes and forces. You get a fixed fee and turnaround in writing. - 02 ### Design Connections are designed to I.S. EN 1993-1-8, with a schedule and sketches. - 03 ### Issue Signed calculations and details are issued to your detailer. - 04 ### Queries Checker and main-engineer queries are answered through to approval. Fabricator with connections to sign off? Send the drawings. Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit. [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764) [Request a fixed fee](#quote) Questions ## Steel connection design: common questions **Who is responsible for steel connection design?** It depends on the contract. Often the main structural engineer gives member sizes and forces, and the steelwork contractor is responsible for designing the connections. Many smaller fabricators subcontract that design to an independent engineer. **Which standard do you design connections to?** I.S. EN 1993-1-8 (Eurocode 3, design of joints) with the Irish National Annex, together with I.S. EN 1993-1-1 for members and I.S. EN 1992-1-1 for base plates bearing on concrete. **Can you design connections for a house extension goalpost?** Yes. Domestic goalposts and beam-to-post connections are a common request from fabricators supplying extension builders, and they're usually quick to turn around. **Do you need a site visit?** Usually not. Connection design works from the drawings and forces. A visit is arranged where existing steel is being connected into, or site conditions affect the detail. **What areas do you cover?** Dublin and the Greater Dublin Area (Kildare, Meath and Wicklow). Site visits are booked from the Blackrock office. Site visit usually within 5 working days. ## Related services [### RSJ Calculations Beam and padstone calcs and a steel schedule for builders who already know what they need.](https://structuralengineer.ie/rsj-calculations/) [### Extensions Foundations, steel and BCAR sign-off for rear and side extensions, including the new 45 m² exemption.](https://structuralengineer.ie/structural-engineer-for-extensions/) [### Temporary Works Propping, needling and demolition sequences designed before anything comes out.](https://structuralengineer.ie/temporary-works-design/) Next step Get a fixed fee for connection design Call [01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764), or send the details and we'll call you back. Request a fixed engineering fee Prefer to talk? [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764). A live person answers during office hours.