Free Steel Hanger Design Calculator — Connection
Design steel hanger connections for suspended loads — pipe supports, ceiling grids, mezzanine framing, stair stringers, and suspended equipment platforms. The calculator checks hanger rod tension capacity, welded or bolted connection strength, prying action in end plates, and local beam web stiffening per AISC 360-22 Chapter J, AS 4100 Section 9, EN 1993-1-8, and CSA S16 Section 13.
Typical applications: hanger rods (ASTM A36, A572, or A193 B7) from 1/2 to 2 inches diameter, structural tee hangers, WT hangers, angle hangers, and beam-attached bracket hangers.
How to Use
- Select hanger type: threaded rod, WT, angle, or structural tee.
- Enter hanger geometry: rod diameter, section properties, length.
- Define connection type: top connection (beam attachment) and bottom connection (supported element).
- Apply factored loads: tension from dead and live load, lateral load if applicable.
- Review results: rod tension, weld/bolt group capacity, beam web check.
Design Checks
| Limit State | AISC 360 | AS 4100 | EN 1993-1-8 | CSA S16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod tension (yielding) | D2 (phi=0.90) | Cl 7.1 | Cl 6.2.3 | Cl 13.2 |
| Rod tension (rupture) | D3 (phi=0.75) | Cl 7.2 | Cl 6.2.3 | Cl 13.2 |
| Weld at hanger | J2.2 | Cl 9.7 | Cl 4.5 | Cl 13.13 |
| Bolt group | J3 | Cl 9.3 | Cl 3.6 | Cl 13.12 |
| Beam web yielding | J10.2 | Cl 5.13 | Cl 6.2.6.2 | Cl 14.3 |
| Prying action | J3.6 | Cl 9.3.2.2 | Cl 6.2.4 | Cl 13.12 |
Step-by-Step Example
Problem: Design a threaded rod hanger supporting a mechanical unit. Factored load Pu = 15 kips. Use A572 Gr 50 rod, 15 inches long. Top connection: welded to beam bottom flange.
Step 1 — Rod selection: Try 3/4-inch rod: Ag = 0.442 in^2, Ase = 0.334 in^2 (threaded) Tension yielding: phiPn = 0.90 * 50 * 0.442 = 19.9 kips > 15 kips OK Tension rupture: phiPn = 0.75 _ 65 _ 0.334 = 16.3 kips > 15 kips OK
Step 2 — Weld at beam connection: Use 1/4-inch fillet weld each side, 6 inches long on beam bottom flange. phi*Rn = 1.392 * D _ L = 1.392 _ 4 * 12 = 66.8 kips > 15 kips OK
Step 3 — Connection plate: 3/8-inch plate, A36: check Whitmore section yielding and block shear.
Result: 3/4-inch A572 Gr 50 threaded rod with 1/4-inch fillet weld on 3/8-inch connection plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hanger connection and a typical tension connection? Hanger connections are direct tension connections where the load is transferred from a suspended element to a supporting beam. They typically involve a threaded rod or structural tee with connection plates. Unlike beam end connections which transfer shear, hanger connections are primarily tension-loaded with minimal shear.
How is a threaded rod hanger capacity calculated? Threaded rod capacity is governed by net area (Ase) at the threaded portion rather than gross area (Ag). AISC 360-22 Section D3 addresses rupture at the threaded section. For a 3/4-inch rod, the threaded root area is approximately 25% smaller than the gross area, reducing tension capacity correspondingly.
When should structural tee hangers be used instead of threaded rods? Structural tee (WT) hangers are preferred for heavier loads (over 25 kips), longer spans, or when lateral load resistance is required. WT hangers provide better stability than rods and can be designed for combined tension and bending. Threaded rods are economical for lighter loads (under 20 kips) and simple vertical suspension.
Is this hanger design calculator free? Yes, completely free with unlimited calculations.
Disclaimer (educational use only)
This page is provided for general technical information and educational use only. It does not constitute professional engineering advice. All structural designs must be verified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE). The site operator disclaims liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this page.