Qnect, a cloud-based, structural steel connection design and optimization software company based in Hadley, Mass., has added to its portfolio of connections new capabilities to optimize top and bottom plate moment connections, as well as deck support steel in 3D models.

“The latest release from Qnect adds to its functionality, offering more types of connections it can calculate and model,” says Erleen Hatfield, a customer who has been using Qnect since before it emerged from stealth mode in 2016. She is managing partner of Hatfield Group, a New York City-based structural and facade engineering firm. “This software can incorporate fabricators’ and engineers’ preferences, so having this additional type of connection added is helpful,” she says.

“This moment connection is a big achievement for the software,” adds Jef Sharp, developer and CEO of Qnect. “It’s complicated engineering that we have programmed to work exactly how the engineer-of-record specifies.”

Users who need to follow mandated connection parameters can set the new moment connection capability with user-defined preferences. Users working in delegated connection design arrangements can use Qnect’s optimizing capabilities to ensure that the connections are of the most effective and efficient designs, the company says. All connections meet or exceed AISC code and produce detailed reports for review. If requested separately, the company will PE stamp the engineering.

Qnect’s cloud-based software service  automates structural steel connection design and delivers quick results. When models are uploaded, it examines the loads, and when given the latitude to optimize, it will design each connection individually to be as efficient as possible, rather than applying standard designs by connection type from a library. It can be used to reduce material costs, shop hours, doublers, bolts and welds and save additional costs by taking advantage of its preferences, bolt and doubler optimization options.