Design Guide for Partially Restrained Composite Connections

Partially restrained composite connections (PR-CC) are partial strength connections that can be used to resist moments induced by live, wind, and earthquake loads in low and moderate height unbraced frames. PR-CC use the continuity and strength that are already built into the structures and are especially well suited for low-rise structures in areas of low-to-moderate seismic risk. Good hysteretic performance was the primary criterion used in the development of the analysis procedures and design criteria presented in this guide. These procedures are more detailed and conservative than those in the 1997 National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and American Institute of Steel Construction seismic specifications and apply to a wider range of structures. Trial designs indicate that the most efficient structures result when connection strength is about 75% of the noncomposite strength of the steel beams framing into the connections.