Drafting Standards Section 11.

0-Supp
SteelFab, Inc.
Revision Date
CORPORATE DRAFTING STANDARDS Reviewed Approved RHM RHM
Page Page 1 of 2

11.0 Supp DETAILING FOR SEISMIC MOMENT CONNECTIONS

Background

Moment connections used as part of the Seismic Load Resisting System in High Seismic
structures require special considerations during the design, detailing, fabrication and erection
stages of a project. Many jurisdictions have adopted the International Building Code (IBC)
which has special implications when dealing with moment connections in High Seismic
structures.

Generally, High Seismic structures can be determined as follows:

Seismic Design Category A, B or C and Response Modification coefficient R >3,
or
Seismic Design Category D, E or F and any value of Response Modification coefficient R

If the project is classified as High Seismic, the structural steel moment frames must be
designed, detailed, fabricated, inspected and erected in accordance with the AISC Seismic
Provisions. In addition, certain moment connection types may be required to be pre-
qualified. Pre-qualified connections are generally specified to be in conformance with FEMA
350 or AISC 358.

This supplement is a guide for the Detailer for use in preparing details of moment frames in
High Seismic structures. The Detailer shall also refer to the applicable sections of AISC 341,
AISC 358 and/or FEMA 350.

FEMA 350 and AISC 358

FEMA 350 and AISC 358 contain design and detailing requirements for several pre-qualified
moment connections. The type of moment connection used shall always be specified by the
Engineer of Record. Each moment connection has certain characteristics in common
including weld access hole geometry, continuity plate geometry and welding requirements,
web doubler geometry and welding requirements, and filler metal CVN requirements. This
supplement is only intended to address the requirement associated with continuity plates

Continuity Plates (see DS-39, 40)

Continuity plates shall be welded to column flanges with CJP groove welds.

For single sided connections in which a moment connected beam attaches to only one of the
column flanges, at the column flange that does not have a beam attached the continuity plate
may be welded to the flange with a pair of minimum size fillet welds

Continuity plates shall be welded to column webs using groove welds or fillet welds.
 Drafting Standards Section 11.0-Supp
SteelFab, Inc.
Revision Date
CORPORATE DRAFTING STANDARDS Reviewed Approved RHM RHM
Page Page 2 of 2

Continuity plate welds to the column flange and column web shall be terminated inch from
the edge of the corner clips.

Steel backing used at continuity plate to column welds need not be removed. At column
flanges, steel backing left in place shall be attached to the column flange using a continuous
5/16 inch fillet weld on the edge below the CJP groove weld.

Where used at continuity plate welds, weld tabs shall be removed to within inch of the plate
edge. The edges where weld tabs have been removed shall be finished to a surface
roughness of 500 micro inches or better.

Along the web, the corner clip of continuity plates shall be detailed so that the clip extends a
distance of at least 1 inches beyond the published k detail dimension for the rolled
column shape.

Along the flange, the corner clip of continuity plates shall be detailed so that the clip avoids
interference with the radius of the rolled shape and does not exceed a distance of inch
beyond the published k1 detail dimension.

When a curved clip is used, it shall have a minimum radius of inch.

Web Doublers

Column web doublers shall be designed and detailed as directed on the contract documents
or as directed by SteelFab Engineering.