Strong Frame® Specification
Why It’s Best to Specify a Strong Frame Moment Frame at the Beginning of the Design Process
The Simpson Strong-Tie Yield-Link® moment connection used in the Strong Frame moment frames have many advantages over field-welded moment frames or other premanufactured moment frames. See Strong Frame Ordering Process and Options for additional information. It is also important to note that the design and detailing requirements for a moment frame can differ significantly and affect other portions of the structure depending on the type of frame selected. When an SMF is chosen, the lateral loads affecting the frame and other lateral-force-resisting systems can be significantly higher or lower depending on the required R-value based on ASCE 7. If an SMF is selected, the frame shall be designed and detailed based on a prequalified moment connection. Prequalified special moment frame connections have special detailing requirements dependent on the system chosen and need to be detailed and coordinated accordingly. We advise designers to choose the specific type of connections desired early in the design process in order to properly detail the selected frame type. While typical moment frames often have strict detailing requirements such as lateral torsional beam bracing, a Strong Frame special moment frame is exempt from this requirement by virtue of our patented Yield-Link technology. If the type of system is deferred after plan review, specific design requirement conflicts may end up being overlooked and the system may not perform as intended.
From Specification to Ordering
Once a frame has been designed based on the provided design criteria, a submittal package is provided to the designer. The designer reviews these design documents to ensure the design intent has been met and that the frame conforms acceptably to the designer’s construction documents. After an acceptable solution is determined, the frame and anchorage models are incorporated into the construction documents. The contractor is provided a Verification Drawing package to confirm the frame and anchorage dimensions before the order is placed. Although Simpson Strong-Tie does not perform the dimension verification, a representative is available to provide guidance in this process. If the design was created using Simpson Strong-Tie design services, we will also check any changes that the contractor requests. If the designer selected the design, the contractor shall notify the designer to confirm changes. Once the dimensions and the design are confirmed and the order is placed, no other steps are required by the designer for the frame fabrication. Fabrication drawings are created and reviewed internally, eliminating this traditional step, and are guaranteed to meet both the design and verified dimension requirements.
Submittal Process
The Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Frame using the Yield-Link structural fuse connection is code listed under AISC 358-16, Chapter 12, ICC-ES ESR-2802 with LABC and LARC supplement. All designs, whether using the Strong Frame selector software or Simpson Strong-Tie engineering services, follow the design specifications listed within. Specified frame designs are commonly incorporated into the designer’s submitted documents the same as other selected and specified products. When designs are completed utilizing Simpson Strong-Tie design services, Simpson Strong-Tie can provide a stamped and signed package for the final submittal upon request. Deferred submittals are not recommended for lateral systems such as moment frames, because different prequalified connections have various design requirements for the connection and detailing. For example, the Strong Frame special moment frame does not require lateral beam bracing, whereas other special moment frame connections would require such bracing.