Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Frame Special Moment Frame Product and Service Offering

Strong Frame Special Moment Frame

Yield-Link Structural Fuse

The standard Strong Frame moment connection consists of two modified T-stub links (Yield-Links); one on top of the beam and one on the bottom (see Figure 1a). For shallow beams with 8.5" overall steel depth, Simpson Strong-Tie developed a SMF connection with end-plate links (see Figure 1b). Other than the design of the Yield-Link end-plate and end-plate-to-column flange bolts, the connection design procedure for the end-plate Yield-Link connection is identical to our existing two-piece Yield-Links connection.

Factory-Installed Strong Frame Yield-Link Structural Fuse Special Moment Frame Joint
Figure 1a – Two-Piece T-Stub Link

Factory-Installed Strong Frame End-Plate Yield-Link Special Moment Frame Joint
Figure 1b – End-Plate Link

Note: Quantity of bolts will vary depending on design requirements.

SMF Link Types

T-Stub Links
Column Flange	Two-Piece T-stub Link
Width (in.)	Name	W_yield (in.)
5.5	5.5L	1.750
	5.5M	2.125
	5.5H	2.500
< 10	X1.75	1.750
	X2.0	2.000
	L	2.250
	M	2.875
	H	3.375
	Max	3.500
>=10	8L	2.250
	8M	2.875
	8H	3.375
	8Max	3.500

End-Plate Links (EPL)
Column Flange	End-Plate Link
Width (in.)	Name	W_yield (in.)
5.5	E5.5L	1.750
	E5.5M	2.125
	E5.5H	2.500
< 8.0	EL	2.250
	EMax	2.875
	EH	3.375
	EMax	3.500