05/09/2026
What does non-standard detailing cost?
This eaves connection used a non-standard Morris stiffener arrangement.
The interesting thing is that it wasn’t unsafe.
When we modelled the connection, the as-built detail achieved performance virtually identical to that of the standard SCI P398 arrangement.
✅ SCI detail: 564 kNm, 6 plates
✅ As-built detail: 565 kNm, 8 plates
So what’s the difference?
On this project, the non-standard detail added:
• 80 extra plates
• 27.4m of additional fillet weld
• Approx. £1,560 in fabrication cost..for effectively no increase in capacity and no meaningful improvement in stability.
Nothing about the connection failed a design check.
That’s exactly why these issues often go unnoticed.
A design can be technically adequate and still introduce unnecessary fabrication cost.
The value isn’t always in finding an unsafe detail.
Often it’s recognising when a standard, proven detail has been replaced with something more complex that delivers no additional benefit.
Portal frame connections are a specialist area for us. We regularly review details against SCI guidance, fabrication practicality and connection behaviour before they become steel on site.
This Morris stiffener is just the first example from a recent frame review.
More lessons learned to follow.
Designing or detailing a portal frame? Happy to take a look.
