The Simpson 8X Beam End Cap is a legless column cap engineered for end-of-beam column-to-beam connections on top of steel members. Designed by Simpson for field-welded attachment directly to steel columns and beams, this cap provides a dependable structural solution where traditional leg-style caps are not suitable - including connections involving pipe columns or other non-standard steel column profiles. The extended seat delivers additional bearing surface area beyond one side of the column, distributing beam loads and supporting enhanced uplift resistance for seismic and high-wind loading applications.

Key Features

• Legless Design - allows field-welded attachment directly to steel columns and beams, making it compatible with end-of-beam applications where standard leg-style caps cannot be used
• Extended Seat Configuration - provides bearing surface area beyond one side of the column, improving load distribution at critical connection points
• 3-Gauge Steel Construction - delivers heavy-duty structural integrity suited to demanding column-to-beam connection applications
• Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint Finish - provides a protective coating consistent with Simpson connector standards for long-term performance in structural installations
• NDS Code-Compliant Bolt Spacing - supports beam connections that meet recognized code requirements, simplifying the approval process for qualifying structural projects
• Compatible with Pipe Columns and Non-Standard Profiles - can be ordered for field welding to pipe or other column types, broadening its use across varied steel framing configurations

Why This Product

• Purpose-Built for End-of-Beam Steel Applications - the legless cap format addresses a specific structural need that standard column caps cannot fulfill, giving builders and engineers a reliable option for steel member connections at beam ends
• Engineered for High-Load Environments - with enhanced uplift resistance for seismic and high-wind loading, this cap is well suited to projects where connection performance under lateral and vertical forces is a priority
• Flexible Field Welding Capability - the design supports attachment to a range of steel column types, including pipe columns, giving designers and contractors adaptability across different structural configurations
• Domestic Production from a Trusted Structural Brand - produced in the United States by Simpson, a widely recognized name in structural connectors, supporting confidence in consistent quality and material standards

Specifications

• Specification: Detail
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): ECCO8
• Beam Width (in.): 71/2
• Dimension W1 (in.): 71/2
• Dimension L (in.): 101/2
• Dimension H1 (in.): 8
• Material: 3-Gauge Steel
• Finish: Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• End-of-beam column-to-beam connections on top of steel members
• Field-welded connections to steel columns and beams where legs are not required
• Structural applications requiring enhanced uplift resistance for seismic or high-wind loading
• Connections involving pipe columns or other non-standard steel column profiles (weld by designer)
• Applications requiring NDS code-compliant bolt spacing for beam connections

Installation Notes

• Use all specified fasteners as outlined in the product specifications.
• Bolt holes shall be a minimum of 1/32" to a maximum of 1/16" larger than the bolt diameter (per 2018 NDS, section 12.1.3.2); bolt holes should be drilled from one side all the way through the beam to maintain hole tolerances.
• Contact engineered wood manufacturers for connections involving engineered wood products.
• Field welding to steel columns and beams to be performed by a qualified designer or installer.

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders
• For special, custom, or rough-cut lumber sizes, provide dimensions.
• ECCO may be ordered for field welding to pipe or other columns. Weld by designer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the ECCO8 different from a standard column cap?

The ECCO8 features a legless design, meaning it does not have pre-installed legs like a traditional column cap. Instead, it is intended for field-welded attachment directly to steel columns and beams, making it suitable for end-of-beam applications where leg-style caps cannot be used.

What type of structural applications is the ECCO8 designed for?

The ECCO8 is engineered for end-of-beam applications on top of steel members, where a column-to-beam connection is required at the end of a beam rather than at a mid-span or interior position. Its extended seat bearing surface and increased uplift load capacity also make it well-suited for structures subject to earthquake or wind loading conditions.

What material and finish is the ECCO8 constructed from?

The ECCO8 is fabricated from heavy-duty 3-gauge steel and features a Simpson Strong-Tie Gray paint finish, providing a durable construction suitable for demanding structural applications.

Does the ECCO8 meet any recognized structural codes for bolt spacing?

Yes, the bolt spacing on the ECCO8 meets National Design Specification (NDS) code requirements to help ensure optimal structural performance. The connector also includes integrated diamond holes to allow for convenient temporary fastening during installation.