Shear Links in Eccentrically Braced Frames

Eccentrically braced steel framing in seismic applications can provide high elastic stiffness and large inelastic energy dissipation capacity. The performance of this framing system depends to a great extent on the behavior of short active link sections of the beams. The results of an experimental investigation of the effects of inelastic loading history, connection details, and web stiffener details on active link behavior are presented. The test results are then evaluated using energy dissipation as the basic parameter. A design procedure for active links which yield primarily in shear is then outlined. This procedure includes recommendations on the determination of structural configuration, member sizes, link connection details, and web stiffener details. Suggested connection and stiffener details are illustrated.