Abstract. In the analysis of steel frame, the bearing capacity of joints is the basic mechanical property. With reference to the component method proposed in the Eurocode 3 (EC3) specification, based on the characteristic of transmitting force in each component of the outer shell joints, the bearing capacity of T-stub connection is controlled by the component with the smallest bearing capacity. The calculation method and flow of the bearing capacity of the outer shell joints were put forward, and compared with the experimentally obtained bending moments. This method is in line with engineering design, and is easy to be applied in practice.