ABSTRACT
A 16-bolt extended stiffened (16ES) moment end-plate connection is considered, with special emphasis on conclusions from the SAC Steel Project and requirements for moment connections as stated in the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings. The purpose of the connection is to provide a moment end-plate configuration that can be designed to be stronger than the adjoining beam. Design procedures for the largest configurations currently available are unable to develop numerous practical beam sections. The 16ES connection allows for the design of an economical moment connection that will meet the requirements for ordinary moment frames as stated in the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, while avoiding any type of experimental testing requirement. A simplified LRFD design procedure that considers the limit states of end-plate yielding and bolt rupture is presented, based on results obtained using yield line analysis and the finite element method, respectively.
