Example J.7 from AISC design examples v.

14
Base plate bearing on concrete

Description
An ASTM A992 W12×96 column bears on a 24 in.×24 in. concrete pedestal with f’ c = 3 ksi. The space
between the base plate and the concrete pedestal has grout with f’ c = 4 ksi. Design the ASTM A36 base
plate to support the following loads in axial compression:

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

 Joint = CB
 Column / Section = W 12x96
 Column / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50 (from AISC database and according with example)

“Loads” tab:

 Axial = -690 kips.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Base Plate
Connections/Smart Pinned Base Plate”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main
window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Base plate” group; change the following:

 Longitudinal dimension = 22 in.
 Transversal dimension = 22 in.
 Thickness = 2 in.

For “Support” group; change the following:

 Longitudinal dimension = 24 in.
 Transversal dimension = 24 in.
 Material = C 3-40

For “Anchor” group; change the following:

 Longitudinal edge distance on the plate = 2 in.
 Transverse edge distance on the plate = 2 in.

Choose any anchor diameter and material from AISC databases, because these values do not affect the
results that we are comparing with RAM Connection.

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
A1 484 484 Same
A2 576 576 Same
m (in) 4.97 4.97 Same
n (in) 6.12 6.12 Same
фPp 875.16 875 RAM Connection
reports the Pp
separately, and
multiplying with ф
=0.65 comes the value
reported above. The
difference is due to
rounding.
Concrete bearing 875.16 875 The difference is due to
strength (kips) (LFRD) rounding.
Concrete bearing 582.86 583 The difference is due to
strength (kips) (ASD) rounding.
Example K.1 from AISC design examples v.14
Welded/Bolted wide Tee connection to an HSS column

Description
Design a connection between an ASTM A992 W16×50 beam and an ASTM A500 Grade B HSS8×8×4
column using an ASTM A992 WT5×24.5. Use w-in.-diameter ASTM A325-N bolts in standard holes with a
bolt spacing, s, of 3 in., vertical edge distance Lev of 14 in. and 3 in. from the weld line to the bolt line.
Design as a flexible connection for the following vertical shear loads:

PD = 6.20 kips
PL = 18.5 kips

Note: A tee with a flange width wider than 8 in. was selected to provide sufficient surface for flare bevel
groove welds on both sides of the column, because the tee will be slightly offset from the column
centerline.

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

 Joint = BCF
 Beam / Section = W 16x50
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50
 Column / Section = HSS_SQR 8x8x1_4
 Column / Material = A500 GrB Rectangular

“Loads” tab:
  V2 (beam) = 37 kips.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Select from “Template” group “Stardard Tee BCF/ST BCF Weld support Bolt beam”, after this procedure,
connection appears in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Tee” group; change the following:

 Tee section = WT 5x24.5 (from AISC database)
 Material = A992 gr50 (from AISC database, according to the example)
 nr: Rows of Bolts = 4.
 Lev: Vertical edge distance = 1.25 in
 Leh: Horizontal edge distance = 1.99 in

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Tee Bolt shear (kips.) 17.9 17.9 Same
Stem shear yielding 117.30 117 The difference is due to
strength (kips.) rounding.
Stem shear rupture 79.56 79.5 The difference is due to
(kips.) rounding.
Stem block shear 97.21 97.3 The difference is due to
rupture strength (kips.) rounding.
Weld capacity 84.60 106 Connector does not fit
in support. RAM
Connection does not
have the example weld
type for standard tee.
The difference is
because of that.
Example K.3 from AISC design examples v.14
Double angle connection to an HSS column

Description
Use AISC Manual Tables 10-1 and 10-2 to design a double-angle connection for an ASTM A992 W36×231
beam to an ASTM A500 Grade B HSS14×14×2 column. Use w-in.-diameter ASTM A325-N bolts in
standard holes.
The angles are ASTM A36 material. Use 70-ksi electrodes. The bottom flange cope is required for
erection. Use the following vertical shear loads:

PD = 37.5 kips
PL = 113 kips

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:
 Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 36x231
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50
 Column / Section = HSS_SQR 14x14x1_2
 Column / Material = A500 GrB Rectangular

“Loads” tab:
 V2 (beam) = 226 kips.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
DA Weld support Bolt beam”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Members / Coped” group; change the following:

 dcb: Bottom coped depth = 2 in. (for graphical purpose, because the example does not provide
this value).
 cb: Bottom coped length = 3 in. (for graphical purpose, because the example does not provide
this value).

In “Angle” group; change the following:

 Angle section = LU 4X3-1_2X3_8 (from AISC database, according to the example).
 nr: Rows of Bolts = 8.

In “Tee” group; change the following:

 D2: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 5

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Bolt shear (LFRD) 286.42 286 The difference is due to
rounding.
Weld strength (LFRD) 278.94 279 The difference is due to
rounding.
Bolt shear (ASD) 190.94 191 The difference is due to
rounding.
Weld strength (ASD) 185.96 186 The difference is due to
rounding.
Example K.4 from AISC design examples v.14
Unstiffened seated connection to an HSS column

Description
Use AISC Manual Table 10-6 to design an unstiffened seated connection for an ASTM A992 W21×62
beam to an ASTM A500 Grade B HSS12×12×2 column. The angles are ASTM A36 material. Use 70-ksi
electrodes. Use the following vertical shear loads:
PD = 9.00 kips
PL = 27.0 kips

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

 Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 21x62
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Beam / sb: Beam setback = 0.75 in.
 Column / Section = HSS_SQR 12x12x1_2
 Column / Material = A500 GrB Rectangular.
“Loads” tab:
 V2 (beam) = 54 kips.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
US Welded”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Members” group; change the following:

 sb: Beam setback = 0.75 in.

In “Unstiffened seated / Seat angle” group; change the following:

 Seat angle section = LU 8X4X5_8
 c: Seat angle length = 8 in.
 g: Gage – transverse center-to-center spacing = 5.5 in.
 D2: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 5

In “Unstiffened seated / Top angle” group; change the following:

 Seat angle section = LU 4X4X1_4
 D1: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 3

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Weld strength (LFRD) 66.74 66.7 The difference is due to
rounding.
Weld strength (ASD) 44.49 44.5 The difference is due to
rounding.
Example IIB.4a from AISC design examples v.14
Four bolt unstiffened extended end plate FR moment connection (Beam to column flange)

Description
Design a four-bolt unstiffened extended end-plate FR moment connection between an ASTM A992
W18×50 beam and an ASTM A992 W14×99 column flange to transfer the following vertical shear forces
and strong-axis moments:

VD = 7 kips MD = 42 kip-ft
VL = 21 kips ML = 126 kip-ft

Use ASTM A325-N snug-tight bolts in standard holes and 70-ksi electrodes. The plate is ASTM A36
material.

(a) Use the design procedure from AISC Steel Design Guide 4 Extended End-Plate Moment
Connections. Seismic and Wind Applications (Murray and Sumner, 2003).

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:
 Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 18x50
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Column / Section = W 14x99
 Column / Material = A992 Gr50.

“Loads” tab:
 V2 (beam) = 42 kips.
 M33 (beam) = 252 kip-ft.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
MEP Extended both ways (DG4/Seismic)”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main
window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Moment end plate” group; change the following:

 tp: Plate thickness = 1 in.
 Top flange weld type = Fillet
 Bottom flange weld type = Fillet
 Bolts = 1” A325 N
 g: Gage – transverse center-to-center spacing = 4 in.
 Lev: Vertical edge distance = 1.75 in.
 Leh: Horizontal edge distance = 1.75 in.
 pfi: distance from first interior bolt centerline to the beam flange = 1.5 in.
 pfo: distance from the outer bolt centerline to the beam flange = 1.5 in.

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Additional calculation of 19.22 19.2 The difference is due to
H0 (in.) rounding.
Additional calculation of 15.65 15.6 The difference is due to
H1 (in.) rounding.
End plate yield line 2.74 2.74 Same
mechanism “s” (in.)
Yp (in.) 139.85 140 The difference is due to
rounding.
End plate - Shear 145.8 146 The difference is due to
yielding (kips.) rounding.
Available strength due 137.03 137 The difference is due to
to shear rupture (kips.) rounding.
Example IIB.4b from AISC design examples v.14
Four bolt unstiffened extended end plate FR moment connection (Beam to column flange)

Description
Design a four-bolt unstiffened extended end-plate FR moment connection between an ASTM A992
W18×50 beam and an ASTM A992 W14×99 column flange to transfer the following vertical shear forces
and strong-axis moments:

VD = 7 kips MD = 42 kip-ft
VL = 21 kips ML = 126 kip-ft

Use ASTM A325-N snug-tight bolts in standard holes and 70-ksi electrodes. The plate is ASTM A36
material.
(b) Use design procedure 2 (thin end-plate and larger diameter bolts) from AISC Design Guide
16, Flush and Extended Multiple-Row Moment End-Plate Connections (Murray and Shoemaker,
2002).

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:
 Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 18x50
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Column / Section = W 14x99
 Column / Material = A992 Gr50.

“Loads” tab:
 V2 (beam) = 42 kips.
 M33 (beam) = 252 kip-ft.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
MEP Ext One Way (DG16)”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Moment end plate group; change the following:

 tp: Plate thickness = 0.875 in.
 Flush extension length = 0.1 in
 Top flange weld type = Fillet
 Bottom flange weld type = Fillet
 Bolts = 1” A325 N.
 g: Gage – transverse center-to-center spacing = 4 in.
 Lev: Vertical edge distance = 1.5 in.
 Leh: Horizontal edge distance = 1.75 in.
 pfi: distance from first interior bolt centerline to the beam flange = 1.5 in.
 pfo: distance from the outer bolt centerline to the beam flange = 1.5 in.
 Bolts rows number = 1 (for Bolt group bottom flange, according with the example)

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Prying forces 2.69 2.69 Same
calculations (w’)
Prying forces 2.38 2.34 The difference is due to
calculations (a1) rounding.
Prying forces 30.41 30.4 The difference is due to
calculations (Fi’) rounding.
Prying forces 6.09 6.10 The difference is due to
calculations (Qmaxi) rounding.
Prying forces 1.5 1.5 Same
calculations (a0)
Prying forces 30.41 30.4 The difference is due to
calculations (F0’) rounding.
Prying forces 9.67 9.68 The difference is due to
calculations (Qmax0) rounding.
фMn (Kip-ft) 272.74 273 The difference is due to
rounding.
Example II.A-4 from AISC design examples v.14
All bolted double angle connection in a coped beam

Description
Use AISC Manual Table 10-1 to select an all-bolted double-angle connection between an ASTM A992
W18×50 beam and an ASTM A992 W21×62 girder web to support the following beam end reactions:

RD = 10 kips
RL = 30 kips

The beam top flange is coped 2 in. deep by 4 in. long, Lev = 14 in., Leh = 1w in. Use w-in.-diameter ASTM
325-N or F1852-N bolts in standard holes and ASTM A36 angles.

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

 Joint = BG.
 Beam / Section = W 18x50
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Girder / Section = W 21x62
  Girder / Material = A992 Gr50.

“Loads” tab:
 V2 (beam) = 60 kips.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
DA All bolted”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Members” group; change the following:

 dct: Top cope depth = 2 in.
 ct: Top cope length = 4 in.

In “Angle / Beam side” group, change the following:

 Angle section = LU 4X3-1_2X1_4
 Angle position on beam = Top
 dtop: Distance to beam top = 2 in.
 Lev: Vertical edge distance = 1.25 in.
 Leh: Horizontal edge distance = 1.75 in.

In “Angle / Support side” group, change the following:

 nr: Row of Bolts = 3
 Lev: Vertical edge distance = 1.25 in.
 Leh: Horizontal edge distance = 1.0625 in.

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Bolt bearing on girder 210.60 210 The difference is due to
web (kips) rounding.
Flexural local web 234.64 234 The difference is due to
buckling (kips) rounding.
Shear yielding of beam 170.40 170 The difference is due to
web (kips) rounding.
Shear rupture of beam 138.88 139 The difference is due to
web (kips) rounding.
Example II.B-1 from AISC design examples v.14
Bolted Flange-Plated FR moment connection (Beam to column flange)

Description
Design a bolted flange-plated FR moment connection between an ASTM A992 W18×50 beam and an
ASTM A992 W14×99 column flange to transfer the following vertical shear forces and strong-axis
moments:

VD = 7.0 kips MD = 42 kip-ft

VL = 21 kips ML = 126 kip-ft

Use d-in.-diameter ASTM A325-N or F1852-N bolts in standard holes and 70-ksi electrodes. The flange
plates are ASTM A36 material. Check the column for stiffening requirements.
Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

 Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 18x50
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Girder / Section = W 14x99
 Girder / Material = A992 Gr50.

“Loads” tab:
 V2 (beam) = 42 kips.
 M33 (beam) = 252 kip-ft.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
FP Bolted”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Flange plate” group; change the following:

 tp: Top plate thickness = 0.75 in.
 tpb: Bottom plate thickness = 0.75 in.

In “Flange plate / Beam side” group; change the following:

 Bolts = 7/8” A325 N
 nr: Row of Bolts = 4
 g: Gage – transverse center-to-center spacing = 4 in.
 Lev: Vertical edge distance = 1.5 in
 Leh: Horizontal edge distance = 1.5 in.
 ef: Longitudinal distance to beam edge (top plate) = 2 in.
 efb: Longitudinal distance to beam edge (bottom plate) = 2 in.

In “Flange plate / Support side” group, change the following:

 D2: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 6 in.

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Flange plate tensile 170.10 170 The difference is due to
yielding (kips) rounding.
Flange plate tensile 163.13 164 The difference is due to
rupture (kips) rounding.
Flange plate block shear 320.40 320 The difference is due to
rupture (kips) rounding.
Flange local bending of 171.11 171 The difference is due to
column (kips) rounding.
Web local yielding of 185.85 186 The difference is due to
column (kips) rounding.
Example 3.4.4. from AISC Seismic design manual, 2nd
edition
Moment frame Beam-to-Column Connection design

Description
Refer to Joint JT-1 in Figure 3-2. Design a bolted flange-plated fully restrained moment connection
between Beam BM-1 and Column CL-1. The beam and column are ASTM A992 W-shapes and ASTM A36
is used for the connecting material. Use ASTM A325-N bolts and 70-ksi electrodes.

From Example 3.4.3, the required strengths are:

Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:
 Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 18x55
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Girder / Section = W 12x87
 Girder / Material = A992 Gr50.

“Loads” tab:
 M33 (beam) = 316 kip-ft.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
FP Bolted”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Flange plate” group; change the following:

 tp: Top plate thickness = 1 in.
 tpb: Bottom plate thickness = 1 in.

In “Flange plate / Beam side” group; change the following:

 Bolts = 7/8” A325 N (from AISC database, according to the example)
 nr: Row of Bolts = 5
 g: Gage – transverse center-to-center spacing = 4 in.
 Lev: Longitudinal distance to top plate edge = 2 in.
 Leh: Transverse distance to top plate edge = 1.5 in.
 Levb: Longitudinal distance to bottom plate edge = 2 in.
 Lehb: Transverse distance to bottom plate edge = 1.5 in.
 ef: Longitudinal distance to beam edge (top plate) = 2 in.
 efb: Longitudinal distance to beam edge (bottom plate) = 2 in.

In “Flange plate / Support side” group; change the following:

 D2: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 9 in.
Results comparison

Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes

Available flexural 351.93 352 The difference is due to
strength of beam (kip- rounding.
ft.)
Available bearing 628.84 627 The difference is due to
strength of beam flange rounding.
(kips)
Available tensile 217.50 218 The difference is due to
rupture strength of the rounding.
plate (kips)
Bearing strength of the 890.66 891 The difference is due to
flange plate (kips) rounding.
Shear rupture of the 540.60 541 The difference is due to
plate (kips) rounding.
Beam flangle block 427.83 427 The difference is due to
shear (kips) rounding.
Compressive strength 226.80 227 The difference is due to
of the flange plate (kips) rounding.
Example 4.2.4. from AISC Seismic design manual, 2nd
edition
OMF Beam-Column Connection Design

Description
Refer to Joint JT-1 in Figure 4-2. Design a fully restrained (FR) moment connection for the configuration
shown in Figure 4-3. The beam and column are ASTM A992 W-shapes and the plate material is ASTM
A36. Use 70-ksi electrodes and ASTM A325 bolts.

To avoid the field welding requirements associated with the prescriptive connection described in AISC
Seismic Provisions Section E1.6b(c), an eight-bolt stiffened end-plate connection is used.

The required shear strengths for the column based on a second-order analysis are given in Example
4.2.2. The other shear forces acting at the beam end simultaneously with Emh are:

VD=4.86 kips
VS=6.49 kips
VEV=0.2SDSD
=0.2(0.528) (4.86 kips)
=0.513 kips
Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

 Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 18x40
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Girder / Section = W 12x35
 Girder / Material = A992 Gr50.

“Loads” tab
 V2 (beam) = 15.9 kips.
 Beam / Axial = 69 kips. (Stiffener required strength)

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

After that go to “Design” tab and press the main ribbon the “Design configuration” button (opens the
connection design configuration dialog). In this dialog check the seismic parameters flag to enable the
seismic provisions for this connection.

Go back to “New joint” dialog by pressing double click on the snapshot of the assigned connection. In
“Joint data” tab change the following:
• Seismic load resisting system = OMF.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
MEP Extended both ways (DG4/Seismic)”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main
window.
By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “Members” group; change the following:

 Thickness for beam stiffener = 0.4375 in.

In “Connector” group; change the following:

 Four/Eight bolts on tension = 8 tension bolts.
 tp: Plate thickness = 0.625 in.

In “Connector / Beam side” group; change the following:

 Top flange weld type = Fillet
 Top beam flange weld = E70XX
 D1: Weld size to top beam flange (1/16 in) = 7
 Bottom flange weld type = Fillet
 Bottom beam flange weld = E70XX
 D3: Weld size to bottom beam flange (1/16 in) = 7
 D2: Weld size to beam web (1/16 in) = 4.

In “Connector / Support side” group; change the following:

 Bolts = 3/4” A325 N.
 g: Gage – transverse center-to-center spacing = 4 in.
 s: Vertical spacing between bolt rows = 3 in.
 Lev: Vertical edge distance = 1.25 in.
 Leh: Horizontal edge distance = 1.5 in.
 pfi: distance from first interior bolt centerline to the beam flange = 2 in.
 pfo: distance from the outer bolt centerline to the beam flange = 2 in.

In “Stiffeners / Transverse stiffeners” group; change the following:

 Position = Both.
 Full depth = Check (to turn on the flag).
 bs: Transverse stiffeners width = 3 in.
 ts: Transverse stiffener thickness = 0.50 in.
 Material = A36.
 Welding electrode to support = E70XX.
 D: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 4.
Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Necessary parameters 2.65 2.65 Same
for end plate thickness
(s)
Yp 231.83 232 The difference is due to
rounding.
Necessary parameters 2.56 2.56 Same
for column flange
flexural strength (s)
Necessary parameters 2.01 2.02 The difference is due to
for column flange rounding.
flexural strength (psi)
Yc 238.98 239 The difference is due to
rounding.
Available strength of 2910.84 2910 The difference is due to
stiffened column flange rounding.
(kips)
Beam web weld 170.10 14.2 kip/in. (170.4 The difference is due to
strength to reach yield kip/ft.) rounding.
stress (kip/ft.)
The available strength 72.90 (2 stiffeners) 36.5 Divide 72.90 / 2 = 36.45
per stiffener (kips) kips. The difference is
due to rounding.
Example 4.3.4. from AISC Seismic design manual, 2nd
edition
SMF Beam-Column Connection Design

Description
The SMF beam-column connection design presented in this example has been chosen to demonstrate
the application of the design provisions for prequalified RBS connections in accordance with ANSI/AISC
358. This example demonstrates that the RBS geometry developed below is satisfactory. Some of the
results from this example are used in Example 4.3.3. The geometry of an RBS connection is not unique
and alternative configurations of the RBS geometry are possible.
Refer to Joint JT-1 in Figure 4-8. Design the connection between Beam BM-1 and Column CL-1 using the
reduced beam section (RBS) shown in Figure 4-9. All beams and columns are ASTM A992 W-shapes.
Plate material is ASTM A572 Grade 50. The gravity loads on the beam are:

wD=0.84 kip/ft
wL=0.60 kip/ft
Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 24x76
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Column / Section = W 14x176
 Column / Material = A992 Gr50.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

In “Home” tab, press “Add/Edit” button to open Load conditions dialog. In cases group add the
following:
 ID = DL – Description = Dead load – Category = DL
 ID = LL – Description = Live load – Category = LL

Press “Ok” to close dialog.

After that, go to “Design” tab and press from main ribbon the “Design configuration” button (opens the
connection design configuration dialog). In this dialog check the seismic parameters flag to enable the
seismic provisions for this connection.

Go back to “New joint” dialog by pressing double click on the snapshot of the assigned connection. In
“Joint data” tab change the following:
 Seismic load resisting system = SMF.
 Beam / L: Length = 30 ft.
 Beam / Seismic design / Is a RBS connection = Yes
 Beam / Seismic design / a: Horizontal distance to start of RBS cut = 5.5 in.
 Beam / Seismic design / b: Length of RBS cut = 18 in.
 Beam / Seismic design / c: RBS cut maximum depth = 2 in.
 Beam / Seismic design / Vg: Shear due to gravity loads between plastic hinges = 17.25 kips.

“Loads” tab:
 DL / V2 = 25.2 kips.
 LL / V2 = 18 kips.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
DW”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.
Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “General information” group; change the following:

 Design criteria / Frame stability considered in analysis = Check (to activate this flag).

In “Stiffeners” group; change the following:

 Transverse stiffeners / Position = Both
 Transverse stiffeners / Full depth = Check (to activates this flag).
 Transverse stiffeners / bs: Transverse stiffeners width = 5.5 in.
 Transverse stiffeners / cc: Corner clip length = 1 in.
 Transverse stiffeners / cc: Corner clip width = 1 in.
 Transverse stiffeners / ts: Transverse stiffener thickness = 0.75 in.
 Transverse stiffeners / Material = A572 Gr50
 Transverse stiffeners / Welding electrode to support = E70XX.
 Transverse stiffeners / D: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 8.
 Column web panel zone stiffeners / Stiffener type = Doubler plate.
 Column web panel zone stiffeners / Position = One side.
 Column web panel zone stiffeners / ts: Stiffener thickness = 0.5 in.
 Column web panel zone stiffeners / Material = A572 Gr50.
 Column web panel zone stiffeners / Weld type to column flange = Fillet.
 Column web panel zone stiffeners / Welding electrode to support = E70XX.
 Column web panel zone stiffeners / D: Weld size to support (1/16 in) = 3.

Note: RAM Connection, right now cannot use different dimensions for transverse stiffeners in both
sides.

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Mpr (kip-in) 8655.23 8670 The difference is due to
rounding.
Vp (kips) 72.06 72.1 The difference is due to
rounding.
Mf (kip-in) 9700.17 9720 The difference is due to
rounding.
Plastic moment of the 11000 11000 The difference is due to
beam based on the rounding.
expected yield stress
(kip-in)
Shear strength of the 479.94 480 The difference is due to
panel zone (kips) rounding.
Example 5.3.9. from AISC Seismic design manual, 2nd
edition
SCBF Brace-to-Beam Connection Design

Description
An alternative design for Example 5.3.8 at Joint JT/1 of Figure 5-11 is presented here. Example 5.3.8
used separate gusset plates for each brace, while this example uses continuous “chevron type” gusset
plates for the top and bottom braces as shown in Figure 5-29. This is a common arrangement for this
situation, and the example provides and admissible internal force distribution that differs from the
distribution used for the four separate gusset plates. All braces are ASTM A500 Grade B round HSS and
the beam is an ASTM A992 W27x114. For the connection, ASTM A36 plate material and 70-ksi
electrodes are used.
Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

Joint = CVR.
  Actual members / Upper gusset = yes
 Actual members / Lower gusset = yes
 Beam / Section = W 27x114
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Upper right brace / Section = HSS_SQR 6x6x5_16
 Upper right brace / Material = A500 GrB Rectangular.
 Upper left brace / Section = HSS_SQR 6x6x5_16
 Upper left brace / Material = A500 GrB Rectangular.
 Lower right brace / Section = HSS_RND 6.875x0.500
 Lower right brace / Material = A500 GrB rounded.
 Lower left brace / Section = HSS_RND 6.875x0.500
 Lower left brace / Material = A500 GrB rounded.

“Loads” tab
 Braces / Upper right brace = 307 kips.
 Braces / Upper left brace = -226 kips.
 Braces / Lower left brace = 550 kips.
 Braces / Lower right brace = -444 kips.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

After that, go to “Design” tab and press the main ribbon the “Design configuration” button (opens the
connection design configuration dialog). In this dialog check the seismic parameters flag to enable the
seismic provisions for this connection.

Go back to “New joint” dialog by pressing double click on the snapshot of the assigned connection. In
“Joint data” tab change the following:
 Braced frame system = SCBF.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Gusset Connections/CVR”,
after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “General information” group; change the following:

 Design criteria / Dimensions calculation = Manual.

In “Members” group; change the following:

 Upper right brace / Additional geometric data / Le: Minimum distance to other members = 8 in.
 Upper right brace / Additional geometric data / Le1: Left distance = 1 in.
 Upper right brace / Additional geometric data / Le2: Right distance = 1 in.
 Upper right brace / Additional geometric data / LH: Length on beam = 23 in.
 Upper left brace / Additional geometric data / Le: Minimum distance to other members = 8 in.
 Upper left brace / Additional geometric data / Le1: Left distance = 1 in.
 Upper left brace / Additional geometric data / Le2: Right distance = 1 in.
  Upper left brace / Additional geometric data / LH: Length on beam = 23 in.
 Lower right brace / Additional geometric data / Le: Minimum distance to other members = 10 in.
 Lower right brace / Additional geometric data / Le1: Left distance = 1 in.
 Lower right brace / Additional geometric data / Le2: Right distance = 1 in.
 Lower right brace / Additional geometric data / LH: Length on beam = 25.5 in.
 Lower left brace / Additional geometric data / Le: Minimum distance to other members = 10 in.
 Lower left brace / Additional geometric data / Le1: Left distance = 1 in.
 Lower left brace / Additional geometric data / Le2: Right distance = 1 in.
 Lower left brace / Additional geometric data / LH: Length on beam = 25.5 in.

In “Interfaces” group; change the following:

 Upper gusset / General / tp: Thickness = 0.875 in.
 Upper gusset / General / Material = A36.
 Upper gusset / Directly welded / D: Weld size to beam (1/16 in) = 5.
 Upper right brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lt: Length on toe = 15 in.
 Upper right brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lh: Length on heel = 15 in.
 Upper right brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / D: Weld size (1/16 in) = 4.
 Upper left brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lt: Length on toe = 15 in.
 Upper left brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lh: Length on heel = 15 in.
 Upper left brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / D: Weld size (1/16 in) = 4.
 Lower gusset / General / tp: Thickness = 1.25 in.
 Lower gusset / General / Material = A36.
 Lower gusset / Directly welded / D: Weld size to beam (1/16 in) = 8.
 Lower left brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lt: Length on toe = 25 in.
 Lower left brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lh: Length on toe = 25 in.
 Lower left brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / D: Weld size (1/16 in) = 4.
 Lower right brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lt: Length on toe = 25 in.
 Lower right brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / Lh: Length on toe = 25 in.
 Lower right brace / Gusset-to-Brace connection / D: Weld size (1/16 in) = 4.

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Brace Interface forces – -159.81 -160 The difference is due to
H1 (figure 5-30a) (kips) rounding.
Brace Interface forces – -159.81 -160 The difference is due to
V1 (figure 5-30a) (kips) rounding.
Brace Interface forces – 217.08 217 The difference is due to
H2 (figure 5-30a) (kips) rounding.
Brace Interface forces – 217.08 217 The difference is due to
V2 (figure 5-30a) (kips) rounding.
Brace Interface forces – 388.91 389 The difference is due to
H1 (figure 5-30b) (kips) rounding.
Brace Interface forces – 388.91 389 The difference is due to
V1 (figure 5-30b) (kips) rounding.
Brace Interface forces – -313.96 -314 The difference is due to
H2 (figure 5-30b) (kips) rounding.
Brace Interface forces – -313.96 -314 The difference is due to
V2 (figure 5-30b) (kips) rounding.
For the gusset above 57.28 57 The difference is due to
the beam – Nu (kips) rounding.
For the gusset above 376.89 -377 The difference is due to
the beam – Vu (kips) rounding.
For the gusset above 5144.52 -5160 The difference is due to
the beam – Mu (kip-in) rounding.
Available strength of 869.40 869 The difference is due to
the gusset plate above rounding.
the beam (kips)
For the gusset below 74.95 75 The difference is due to
the beam – Nu (kips) rounding.
For the gusset below 702.86 703 The difference is due to
the beam – Vu (kips) rounding.
For the gusset below 9594.12 9630 The difference is due to
the beam – Mu (kip-in) rounding.
Available strength of 1377 1380 The difference is due to
the gusset plate below rounding.
the beam (kips)
Example 3 from 2006 IBC – Structural/Seismic Design
manual 3, Building design examples for steel and concrete
SMF Beam-Column Connection Design

Description
The RBS connection is a pre-qualified connection type per AISC 358. This design example follows the
procedure outlined in AISC 358 with reference to AISC 341 and AISC 360.
The basis for the prequalification of the RBS connection is widely attributed to initial RBS connection
tests conducted at the University of Texas Ferguson Laboratory (Engelhardt etal., 1996). Extensive
additional testing of RBS joint combinations performed as part of projects confirmed the viability of the
connection using myriad beam and column sizes. Further information on the research supporting the
validity of pre/qualification parameters may be found in FEMA-355D State of the Art Report on
Connection Performance and AISC 358.
The following calculations comprise a design methodology that is inherently iterative and requires some
experience to gain proficiency. After considering code drift limits and evaluating several combinations
for strong column-weak beam and panel zone strength criteria, the combination of a W27x84 beam and
W14x176 column was selected for use in the factored load combinations (Part 5), and this combination
of beam and column sizes in the computer analysis results in overall frame drifts within the code limits
(Part 4). The W14x176 column was chosen to elucidate details associated with doubler plates and
possibly reduce the cost of the frame. When given the option, steel fabricators have elected W14x176
columns are to be full-height, one length. Full=height columns without splices were found to be the
least-cost option. Column splices in SMFs must comply with AISC 341. The reduced beam section (RBS)
connection developed in this example is shown in Figure 3-8 and 3-13
Input data
From “Home” tab and main ribbon choose “New” button (Opens “New joint” dialog).

The dialog has two tabs “Joint data” and “Loads”.

“Joint data” tab:

Joint = BCF.
 Beam / Section = W 27x84
 Beam / Material = ASTM A992 Gr50.
 Column / Section = W 14x176
 Column / Material = A992 Gr50.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

After that, go to “Design” tab and press from main ribbon the “Design configuration” button (opens the
connection design configuration dialog). In this dialog check the seismic parameters flag to enable the
seismic provisions for this connection.

In “Home” tab, press “Add/Edit” button to open Load conditions dialog. In cases group add the
following:
 ID = DL – Description = Dead load – Category = DL
 ID = LL – Description = Live load – Category = LL
 ID = EQ – Description = Seismic – Category = EQ

Press “Ok” to close dialog.

In “Home” tab, press “Generate” button to open “Generate load combinations” dialog; selecting:
 AISC 341-05 LRFD amplified seismic factored combos

Finally press “Generate” to start generation and close dialog.

Go back to “New joint” dialog by pressing double click on the snapshot of the assigned connection. In
“Joint data” tab change the following:
 Seismic load resisting system = SMF.
 Beam / L: Length = 28 ft.
 Beam / Seismic design / Is a RBS connection = Yes
 Beam / Seismic design / a: Horizontal distance to start of RBS cut = 6 in.
 Beam / Seismic design / b: Length of RBS cut = 22 in.
 Beam / Seismic design / c: RBS cut maximum depth = 2.24 in.
 Beam / Seismic design / Vg: Shear due to gravity loads between plastic hinges = 26.33 kips.

“Loads” tab:
 DL / V2 = 16.4 kips.
 DL / M33 = 86.8333 kip-ft.
 LL / V2 = 13.3 kips.
 LL / M33 = 77 kip-ft.
  EQ / V2 = 19 kips.
 EQ / M33 = 256.917 kip-ft.

Finally press “Ok” to close the dialog.

Press “Design” tab and from the main ribbon choose “Assign” button. Select “Smart Connections/Smart
DW”, after this procedure the connection shows in standalone main window.

By pressing double click in the connection; software will enter to the Connection PAD.

Once the user is inside the Connection PAD, select or change the required data for the example.

In “General information” group; change the following:

 Design criteria / Frame stability considered in analysis = Check (to activate this flag).

Results comparison
Parameter RAM Connection Reference Notes
Plastic section modulus 169.28 168.95 The difference is due
at the reduced beam book print error.
section (in3) Example uses c = 2.25,
but the correct one is
2.24 in.
Maximum probable 10707 10686 The difference is due to
moment at the reduced rounding and because
beam section (kip-in) the difference of the
value above.
Expected plastic 13420 13420 Same.
moment of the beam
(kip-in)
Mf (kip-in) 12423.93 12403 The difference is due to
rounding.
Required shear strength 101 101 Same.
(kips)
Minimum required 1.67 1.66 The difference is due to
thickness of column rounding.
flange (in)
Panel zone shear 469.30 469 The difference is due to
strength (kips) rounding.