Angle steel is one of the most widely used steel structures, playing a vital role in:
Construction → steel frameworks, bridge supports
Machinery manufacturing → equipment bracket
Power industry → transmission towers
The connection process of angle steel is the “bond” that links structural members together. Connection quality directly affects structural stability and safety. Poorly executed connections may lead to equipment failure or even building collapse. Therefore, mastering scientific and reliable connection techniques is essential for the efficient application of angle steel.
Common Angle Steel Connection Methods
1. Welding Connection of Angle Steel
Manual arc welding: Flexible and widely used; the arc melts both electrode and workpiece.
Gas shielded welding: Uses CO₂ or inert gases to prevent oxidation, ensuring higher quality and welding speed.
Key points:
Thick angle steel requires V-grooves for full penetration.
Proper positioning prevents displacement during welding.
Large sections should be welded symmetrically to minimize deformation.
Post-weld inspection is necessary to detect cracks or other defects.
2. Bolted Connection of Angle Steel
Drill holes in the angle steel according to the design, ensuring the hole size precisely matches the bolt diameter.
Insert bolt and washer, then tighten the nut.
Bolt selection depends on load and working environment:
High-strength bolts → suitable for high-tension applications.
Torque control is critical to avoid loosening or damaging components.
A torque wrench is commonly used to ensure accuracy.
3. Riveted Connection of Angle Steel
Drill holes, insert rivets, then deform them with pressure or heat.
Cold riveting → performed at room temperature.
Hot riveting → easier to form, stronger after cooling.
Advantages:
High toughness, shock and vibration resistance (ideal for bridges).
More secure than bolts, less prone to loosening.
Drawbacks: Complex, costly, and less convenient for disassembly → typically used in ships and high-stability structures.
Key Factors in Selecting Angle Steel Connection Process
Material compatibility of angle steel
Carbon steel angle steel → suitable for E4303 welding rods.
Stainless steel angle steel → requires stainless steel welding electrodes.
Specification and thickness of angle steel
Thin angle steel → use low-current gas shielded welding to avoid burn-through.
Thick angle steel under heavy load → focus on groove type and multiple welding layers.
Environmental conditions for angle steel connection
Frequent vibration → riveting or high-strength bolts with anti-loosening performance.
Humid/corrosive environments → corrosion-resistant bolts + anti-corrosion weld treatment.
Load-bearing requirements of angle steel structure
Large tensile, compressive, or bending loads require structural calculation.
Large buildings → often adopt welding + high-strength bolts combined connection.
Conclusion: Safe and Reliable Angle Steel Connections
The performance and safety of angle steel structures depend heavily on the connection method. Whether using welding, bolting, or riveting, the choice must be based on material, specifications, environment, and load requirements. For critical projects such as high-rise buildings, bridges, or transmission towers, adopting a scientific and optimized connection strategy ensures both efficiency and safety.
