Universal Pin Connectors and Architectural Tapers

No, the UPCs and ARTs are shipped in two pieces, potentially from separate facilities. This requires that the fabricator develop a WPS/PQR to weld casting to casting as well as one to weld casting to rolled steel.

We can offer fabrication if the project fabricator would like. We don’t usually like to provide fabrication pricing during bid, but after the contract is awarded we can offer to fabricate.

No, they must be welded to the tube in the shop by the fabricator. We supply only the connectors and pin hardware.

One only need assemble a jig with four wheels sufficient to hold and turn the tubes, a variable speed motor with belt to rotate the brace at the rate required for the welding of the connector to the tube. Anything from dolly wheels to light trailer wheels can be considered and obtained, for example, at an auto scrap yard or auto supply store.

No. We provide a Sample WPS/PQR that your welding engineer can use as a starting point to tailor to your equipment, procedures and practices. We will also provide you with two weld test plates of the cast steel material for the actual weld tests. We can ship the test plates ahead of the rest of the order.

As the material we use, ASTM A958 SC8620 80/50, is not yet a pre-qualified base metal per AWS / CWB, a WPS needs to be developed and verified with a PQR. Note, however, that the joint is pre-qualified.

No. As the taper of the beveled nose of the UPC is 60 degrees, when inserted into the tube it forms the backing necessary for a weld. The sample WPS/PRQ provided in ESR 3031 offers more detail including suggested root gaps.

Yes, a galvanized carbon steel pin and the stainless steel washers, cap plates, and retaining screws. We can supply a headed pin with cotter for a lower cost if nescessary.

Yes, the UPCs are sold with the pin holes machined. Un-machined UPCs are not available.

Yes. We blast our connectors before we ship them to fabricators, however they may rust slightly during transportation. Solvent cleaning may be used to remove any oils or grease which have inadvertently come into contact with the surface of the UPC. Realize also that as UPCs are cast, not rolled, there is no mill scale which would need to be removed.

Yes, they can be intumescent coated.

No, however, the wall thicknesses of the connectors exceed those of the connected tubes, so the fire rating of the connected tube will likely govern. – Also consider suggesting that a Fire Protection engineer could be consulted.

Yes. Note, however, that the vent holes will be require in the HSS or in the casting. One of our first UPC projects, the Barrie Branch Library, was for galvanized exterior columns. It should be noted that the different silicon contents in the UPC and the HSS will lead to a different initial color and patina in the galvanizing finish. Thus the UPC won’t look totally seamless with the HSS.

The holes in our connectors are 1/32” larger than the pin. This is based on AISC 360-16 clause D5.2D, which says that if the pin connection is expected to rotate under load the pin hole can only be 1/32” larger than the pin diameter. If the member is not expected to rotate a larger hole may be acceptable, but this is a decision that should be made by the EOR.

If field installation is a concern, shop-connecting the UPC to the gusset plate and then field welding or bolting the gusset plate to the other frame elements will provide additional tolerance. Also make sure the erector surveys any critical items, such as anchor rods, before delivering the steel.

Yes, provided that it has been checked for all applicable failure modes including pin bending. If a thinner gusset is desired, it is recommended that the connection include local reinforcement around the pin hole on both sides of the gusset plate, thus locally increasing the total thickness of the plate to the recommended gusset plate thickness.

We can supply domestically produced connectors, but it’s best if we know of this requirement before the tender so that we can anticipate the order in our inventory.

You can specify the product using language like “Cast Connex Universal Pin Connectors or approved alternate” but, if an alternate is proposed by the contractor, the design team should consider whether it meets the aesthetic requirements.

If the governing code permits conventional construction (elastic design forces) or if the connectors are not part of a seismic force resisting system assuming inelastic response (R values greater than the elastic value), they can be considered.

Yes. Although pipe is called out in round numbers, the outer diameter is actually the same as its HSS cousin. Thus we designed the HSC to work for diameters that are available in both pipe and HSS.

We have been working on a UPC for square HSS, but as of yet it is not ready for the market. If a rectangular member is a must, a custom cast connection may be a good solution.

Yes, if there is sufficient lead time as new tooling is required, and provided there is a sufficient and committed order quantity.

With the UPC, you are assured a level of quality of finish and consistent form and shape that is not attainable in fabricated work, as the quality and consistency is subject to the skill of individual welders and grinders, etc. Specifying UPCs also increases number of fabricators that can bid, as any fabricator can weld the UPCs to the tube – thereby leading to more competition and better overall building pricing.

Lead times vary by quantity and connector size and type; but, since we do keep some inventory of all our connectors, shorter than normal lead times can be arranged. Typical lead times are generally 6-10 weeks.