Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Frame Special Moment Frame Product and Service Offering
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
Figure 1a – Two-Piece T-Stub Link

Factory-Installed Strong Frame End-Plate Yield-Link Special Moment Frame Joint
Figure 1b – End-Plate Link
Figure 1b – End-Plate Link
Note: Quantity of bolts will vary depending on design requirements.
SMF Link Types
Column Flange | Two-Piece T-stub Link | |
---|---|---|
Width (in.) | Name | Wyield (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 |
Column Flange | End-Plate Link | |
---|---|---|
Width (in.) | Name | Wyield (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 |