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SMF Design Overview

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<h1>SMF Design Overview</h1>
<p>
  The Simpson Strong-Tie&reg; Yield-Link&reg; moment connection is a
  field-bolted connection that uses patented Yield-Link structural fuse
  technology to mitigate against damage to beams and columns during seismic
  events. Whereas all other AISC prequalified moment frame connections are
  specifically designed to damage the beams when dissipating seismic energy, the
  unique Yield-Link moment connection moves that damage into bolt-on, bolt-off
  replaceable structural fuse elements, keeping the response of the beam elastic
  in the process. This, in turn, creates a situation where the beam can be
  designed without the need for lateral-torsional buckling bracing. Initial
  prequalification testing and analysis focused on meeting the needs of
  light-frame structures. More recent prequalification testing has been
  completed utilizing W36X beams and W36X columns with a maximum yield area of
  1" by 6". Along with the fullscale testing of frames utilizing the expanded
  connection, advanced nonlinear FEA work has been completed that refines the
  connection design procedure and eliminates some empirical limits put in place
  during the first round of prequalification. Additionally, new and extensive
  nonlinear response history analysis was conducted on four-, eight-, twelve-
  and twenty-story buildings to assess their seismic performance and compare it
  to the response of similar buildings utilizing reduced beam section (RBS)
  connections. The results showed that the buildings designed using the
  Yield-Link moment connection had collapse resistance equal to or better than
  the buildings with RBS connections. See p. 33 for more information.
</p>
<h2>Different Types of Moment Frames</h2>
<p>
  When it comes to steel moment frames, there are three types of frames defined
  in the code — ordinary moment frames (OMF), intermediate moment frames (IMF)
  and special moment frames (SMF). They are listed in the table below along with
  their Response Modification Coefficient (R-value), Overstrength Factor (Ωo),
  and Deflection Amplification Factor (Cd) per ASCE 7. Steel moment frames using
  Yield-Link moment connections are qualified as special or intermediate moment
  frame connections in the AISC 358 Prequalified Connections.
</p>
<h5>For Steel Moment Frames</h5>
<img
  src="https://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/zhoz64hhlk/850px@2x/f-l-ylmcdg20-016a.png"
  alt="Steel Moment Frames R-Value and Overstrength Factor"
/>
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-md-6">
    <p>
      Typically OMF are used in wind regions, where a stiff, non-yielding frame
      is desired. SMF are typically used in seismic regions where more ductility
      is needed. The following graphics illustrate the difference in ductility
      between the three moment frame types.
    </p>
  </div>
  
  <div class="col-md-6">
    <img
      src="https://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/twip0iqybs/800px@2x/f-l-ylmcdg20-016b.svg"
      alt="Difference in Ductility Between the Three Moment Frame Types Illutration."
    />
  </div>
  
</div>

<div class="row display-flex">
  <div class="col-md-4 col-sm-12">
    <div class="features-panel">
      <h2>OMF</h2>
      <ul>
        <li>Expected to withstand limited inelastic deformations</li>
        <li>Doesn’t require use of prequalified connections per AISC</li>
        <li>Not required to be tested</li>
        <li>Typically used in non/low-seismic regions</li>
      </ul>
    </div>
  </div>
  
  <div class="col-md-4 col-sm-12">
    <div class="features-panel">
      <h2>IMF</h2>
      <ul>
        <li>Expected to withstand moderate inelastic deformations</li>
        <li>Require use of prequalified connections per AISC</li>
        <li>Must sustain inter-story drift angle of at least 0.02 radians</li>
        <li>Typically used in low/mid-seismic regions</li>
      </ul>
    </div>
  </div>
  
  <div class="col-md-4 col-sm-12">
    <div class="features-panel">
      <h2>SMF</h2>
      <ul>
        <li>Expected to withstand significant inelastic deformations</li>
        <li>
          Require use of prequalified connections per AISC or must be verified
          with testing
        </li>
        <li>Must sustain inter-story drift angle of at least 0.04 radians</li>
        <li>Typically used in mid/high-seismic regions</li>
      </ul>
    </div>
  </div>
  
</div>

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