Sponsored by ASCE Continuing Education and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI).

Purpose and Background

Moment-resisting connections are often used in lateral-load resisting systems of buildings and structures. They are also specified in other applications, such as connecting cantilevers to columns and making continuous steel beams. A companion ASCE presentation Practical Design of Bolted and Welded Steel Connections primarily addresses shear-only attachments, while this webinar specifically discusses "rigid" or moment-resisting connections of various types.

The design procedures for moment connections have changed substantially in recent years. Plenty of technical information exists on the topic, but some engineers are not certain which authoritative documents should be followed in various circumstances and which types of moment connections could be used. The webinar is a concise and to-the-point primer on the most common bolted and welded moment connections found in contemporary structural-steel buildings, including the prequalified connections of AISC 358 and FEMA 350.

The instructor, with three decades of design, construction, and forensic experience, was once the manager of a steel fabrication shop. Accordingly, he shares practical tips and design details that are essential for achieving the desired performance of moment-resisting connections.

Learning Outcomes

• Become familiar with various types of moment-resisting connections
• Learn where to find the information about prequalified moment connections

Webinar Benefits

• Learn when the design of a moment connection must follow AISC Seismic Provisions and when complying with AISC Specification is sufficient
• Examine design details for various types of prequalified moment connections
• Discover the differences between the moment connections in the ordinary, intermediate, and special moment frames
• Find out which proprietary prequalified moment connections are available
• Discuss the weaknesses of the moment connections considered acceptable before the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and how today's connections are different
• Explore a design example for the welded moment connection in a special moment frame

Intended Audience

Structural and civil engineers and building officials seeking to broaden their knowledge of moment-resisting connections in steel structures will benefit from this webinar.

Webinar Outline

• Introduction: Resisting lateral loads in steel structures
• Relevant codes and standards
• General approach to designing moment frames
• Ordinary, intermediate, and special moment frames
• More on the design of special moment frames
• The available prequalified moment connections
• Design example: Welded moment connection for special moment frames

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