ABSTRACT
A yield-line model of a beam plastic hinge is used to estimate the seismic rotation capacity of typical US steel moment connections. Post-buckling response of two US post-Northridge connections, WUF-W and RBS, is compared. Degree of post-peak connection strength degradation and a monotonic yield line strain amplitude limit were the criteria applied to estimate connection rotation capacity. The yield line model of the plastic hinge is extended to determine the seismic bracing requirements for beams that develop two plastic hinges at their ends using Winter’s approach. Brace strength requirements obtained using this method compare well with experimental and other analytical approaches.
