Jointing as a Design Element

Steel is delivered as semi-finished products or also as partly pre-fabricated elements, which are then assembled in the factory or at the building site. What should take place in the drafting process is the manner in which and how a joining is integrated to avoid that the material is constructed at the building site. The joining becomes then an important element for design, which can be consciously used in order to create a close bond of material, technique and expression. The article presents joining and its derivatives that are typical in steel construction: temporary and permanent, positive locking, force locking and material locking connections – from riveted, bolted or welded connections through to new techniques like direct fastenings, clinching and adhesive bonding.