CONNECTION STIFFNESS IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE FOR ETABS/SAP/RISA/STAAD USERS

Modeling of Global Frame Using SidePlate Connection Technology:

Effective use and correct implementation of the inherent SidePlate connection stiffness on the global lateral frame of a structure results in one or more of the following: Significant reduction in the required lateral frame beam and column weight and/or size needed to satisfy allowable building drift criteria o Saves 20-30% in lateral steel tonnage when compared to all other moment connection systems Reduction in the number of moment connections Facilitates the use of pinned boundary conditions, in lieu of fixed, at the base of steel frame columns, which results in lower foundation costs Removal of unwanted diagonal braces by converting the lateral braced frame system to a lateral moment frame system o A slight increase in lateral frame weight is expected, which is offset by a decrease in foundation cost and no loss of useable building space (i.e. diagonal braces typically result in a 2-5% loss in usable area)

This is done by replacing beam and column stiffness with the SidePlate lateral connection stiffness, which is simulated in the steel frames mathematical computer model by using 100% rigid panel zone and increasing the beams moment of inertia, Ix, to approximately 3*Ix, for a typical distance of approximately 80% (i.e. can range between 75% to 100%) of the nominal beam depth (Db) beyond the face of column flange.

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The SidePlate connection stiffness implementation steps are as follows for ETABS/SAP users:

ETABS User
METHOD 1 THE ETABS BUILT-IN SIDEPLATE FEATURE automatically creates a non-prismatic beam where each fixed beam end represents the appropriate SidePlate connection stiffness properties from the column face towards the beam centerline as follows: A section extends from column face to 80% of the nominal beam depth. The SIDEPLATE section, which consists of the physical side plates {A}, cover plates {B} and beam, has an approximate moment of inertia (3) times that of the beam alone. STEP 1: GEOMETRIC COMPATIBILITY & PRELIMINARY STRONG COLUMN WEAK BEAM RULES When sizing the frame beam-to-column combinations for a SidePlate moment frame, the following rules of thumb should be maintained: i. In order to maintain geometric compatibility: o Column flange width Beam flange width + 2* Beam flange thickness
(Note: the above formula can be overly conservative especially with larger sections, if it indicates that a particular combination is not compatible, but is close, please call SidePlate Systems as a quick project specific connection design may be needed)

ii. In order to maintain a strong-column weak-beam condition at non-roof conditions (as required for SMF applications): o Zx Column(s) > 1.7*Zx of the Beam(s) (For 1-12 Story Buildings)
(Note: If the above formula indicates that a particular combination is not compatible, but is close, or the building has more than 12 stories, please call SidePlate Systems as a quick project specific connection design may be needed)

STEP 2: Select all moment frame beams.

STEP 3: Click on Assign > Frame/Line > Moment Frame Beam Type > Special Moment Beam Type: Side Plates > OK (see Fig. 2)

ETABS SidePlate built-in feature.

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STEP 4: MODEL THE PANEL ZONE Select all moment frame beams and columns: Assign > Frame/Line > End (Length) Offsets > Rigid-zone factor = 1 > OK. (see Fig. 3)

3
STEP 5: CONNECTION WEIGHT

ETABS Panel zone

To obtain the approximate connection plate weight for a specific project, simply email your ETABS model to solutions@sideplate.com. One of our engineers will review the model for validation and reply with the connection plate weight.

ETABS User
METHOD 2 USING NON-PRISMATIC BEAM SECTIONS Another way of implementing SidePlate connection properties is to use non-prismatic beam sections. This method can also be used to help improve drift and steel stress ratios if the current design is at or above the allowable code values. Modeling the non-prismatic beam sections more accurately represents the connection properties of the SidePlate connections whereas method 1 may provide drifts 2-3% below actual drifts. STEP 1: SAME AS METHOD 1. STEP 1A: BE SURE TO ASSIGN ALL MOMENT FRAME BEAMS AS STANDARD MOMENT CONNECTION If the built in feature is still turned on, the non-prismatic beam section will have essentially double SidePlate stiffness, which will overestimate the strength of the connection. STEP 1B: SELECT ALL MOMENT FRAME BEAMS. Assign > Frame/Line > Moment Frame Beam Type > Standard > OK.

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STEP 2A: CREATING THE SECTIONS FOR THE NON-PRISMATIC BEAM (I.E. XXSP) 1 TOTAL PER NON-PRISMATIC BEAM (SEE FIG. 4). Click define > Frame Sections > Choose Add General from the drop down menu. Input properties from actual connection design provided by SidePlate Systems, Inc. Make sure the material is the steel material being used on the rest of the project. For start/end section, there exist two side plates, the beam and two cover plates, which is referred to as the SP section. Change the Section name to represent the sections weight + SP. (e.g. For W24x55, this section would be called 55SP.) o Dimensions: Depth will be nominal beam depth plus 3. Width is the approximate average column width used with this beam section. Note: the area inputs are the same as that for the beam alone to preclude double counting of connection weight.

ETABS general section for non-prismatic beam sections

STEP 2B: CREATING THE ACTUAL NON-PRISMATIC BEAMS (SEE FIG. 5) To Create Non-Prismatic Section: Choose Add Non-prismatic from drop down menu. Change Section Name to sectionNPSP (e.g. W27x94NPSP) Change Start Section and End Section to XXSP, which in this case is 94SP section. Typical Length = 80% of beam depth (i.e. can range between 75% to 100% of beam depth). Note: SidePlate connection lengths are set to Absolute type. Where the beam section in the middle is set to Variable (this accounts for different bay widths in which this section may be used). All EI33 and EI22 Variations are Linear

ETABS non-prismatic beam sections

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SAP, RISA & STAAD Users

STEP 1: GEOMETRIC COMPATIBILITY & PRELIMINARY STRONG COLUMN WEAK BEAM RULES: When sizing the frame beam-to-column combinations for a SidePlate moment frame, the following rules of thumb should be maintained: i. In order to maintain geometric compatibility: o Column flange width Beam flange width + 2* Beam flange thickness
(Note: the above formula can be overly conservative especially with larger sections, if it indicates that a particular combination is not compatible, but is close, please call SidePlate Systems as a quick project specific connection design may be needed)

ii. In order to maintain a strong-column weak-beam condition at non-roof conditions (as required for SMF applications): o Zx Column(s) > 1.7*Zx of the Beam(s) (For 1-12 Story Buildings)
(Note: If the above formula indicates that a particular combination is not compatible, but is close, or the building has more than 12 stories, please call SidePlate Systems as a quick project specific connection design may be needed)

STEP 2: MODEL THE BEAM END PROPERTIES To model SidePlate connection properties, the lateral beam needs to be broken up into three segments. a) Insert a new node at distance equal to approximately 80% of the nominal beam depth plus the column depth. b) The beam element between the new nodes is assigned the proposed standard AISC frame beam size. c) For the beam elements that are from the centerline of column to the new node (e.g. beam ends), assign a beam just like the center portion, but modified with properties per the Engineers Design Guidelines. STEP 3: MODEL THE PANEL ZONE Select all moment frame beams and columns. Assign a rigid end offset equal to half the column depth and half the modified beam end depth. STEP 4: CONNECTION WEIGHT To obtain the approximate connection plate weight for a specific project, simply email your model to solutions@sideplate.com. One of our engineers will review the model for validation and reply with the connection plate weight.

For more information:

Toll Free 800 475 2077

Tel 949 305 7889

www.sideplate.com