Improved Seismic Design of Steel Frame Connections

drifts. Response of steel framing systems depends to a large part on the inelastic deformation capacity of the framing elements.Recent research into the seismic performance of moment resisting frames has shown that improved response, includingincreased ductility, is posible if limited yielding is also permitted in the conection in addition to the beams, and the resistancesof these yield mechanisms are balanced. Adverse effects of premature failure are controled by balancing the failure modeframe guset plate connections. In this paper, the design methodology to balance the yield mechanisms and failure modes ispresented with the objective of improving the seismic response of stel framing systems. Initially, the strategy is demonstratedfor special steel moment resisting frames with welded-flange-welded-web connections. Next, the design procedure istheoreticaly applied to special concentrically braced frames. Past experimental results are used to develop improved designAdditional research that is required to finalize the design procedure for braced frame systems is discussed. KCI Citation Count: 4