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com
Pg 1 of 12
ENGINEERS DESIGN GUIDELINES
Contained herein, for your convenience, are a few of the most frequently used design items. For a more detailed list
of code compliant design requirements, refer to our prequalicaon report ESR1275 report by ICCES.
Use of Deeper Frame Columns:
In order to achieve the most economical steel moment frame system possible in terms of lowest possible steel
tonnage and steel fabricaon costs, it is best to select a frame column that is proporoned like a rectangular sec-
on (e.g. deeper column like W21x or W27x) versus a square (e.g. W12x or W14x). Doing so results in a column
that has the same structural s!ness when compared to a W14x column, but for half of the steel weight resulng
in 1-3 lbs/square foot in overall steel tonnage savings or about $1 - $3/SF in construcon cost savings.
Since the majority of moment frame columns occur around the perimeter of a building, the great majority of col-
umns in the interior space will be gravity load resisng and can be sized appropriately (e.g. Square tube columns,
W12x or W14x). However, depending on the overall building conguraon and number of frame columns avail-
able in each direcon, occasions do arise where interior moment frame columns are required. Such columns can
be a combinaon of both deep and shallow without sacricing economy.
When deeper columns are oriented perpendicular to the slab edge such as at corners, it typically is prudent to
locate such column several inches o! the main grid line as shown below.

C8Avl1? CCLuMn
uLL MCMLn1
l8AML CCLuMn
CLn1L8LlnL 1?lCAL SLA8 LuCL
(9"- 18")
LAn vlLW
CllSL1 WPLn uLL
CCLuMn CCCu8S
L8LnulCuLA8 1C
SLA8 LuCL
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Pg 2 of 12
Edge of Slab Location:
When deciding the appropriate distance from the center line of perim-
eter steel framing to the edge of slab, it is important to keep in mind
the thickness of the side plates (i.e. ranges from 2 ) as well as
the horizontal extension of the bo!om cover plate beyond the face of
the side plate (i.e. ranges from 1 - 2 ) that occur at the perimeter
beam-to-column joints so that exterior curtain wall systems are not
interrupted by the presence of the side plate connec"on itself.
For an"cipated project speci#c side plate connec"ons, call SidePlate
Systems for more informa"on.
Extension of Side Plates:
The side plates typically extend horizontally beyond the face of column $ange approximately 80% of the frame
beam depth (e.g. typical ranges from 18-30).
The side plates no longer extend ver"cally below the bo!om of frame beam as they once did. Hence, the only
physical item that extends below the bo!om of the beam is the thickness of the bo!om cover plate which is typi-
cally no thicker than 1.

Slab Depressions at Moment Frame Columns:
For slab depressions adjacent to a SidePlate connec"on,
its important to keep in mind that the side plates typically
have a ver"cal extension of about 2.5-3.5 above the top
of steel for an average horizontal distance of approximate-
ly 80% of the depth of the moment frame beam from the
face of column $ange. Shorter ver"cal extensions may be
possible with the use of a slightly thicker side plate. Refer
to graphic below. Please contact SidePlate Systems for de-
tails.
CCLuMn
8LAM
SluL LA1L [A}
SLC1lCn
1?lCAL 8AnCL
1/2" - 2 1/2"
1?lCAL 8AnCL
1/2" - 2 1/2"
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Pg 3 of 12
Steps in Floors at Moment Frame Columns:
For steps in oors adjacent to a SidePlate connecon, its important to keep in mind that the side plates may
be tapered as shown in the detail below as required per the architectural design. As such, these areas need to
be coordinated between the structural engineer and the architect. Refer to sample detail below. Please contact
SidePlate Systems for details.
Column - Beam Relationship:
Create the lateral model as customary for any project using steel moment
frames. When selecng preliminary lateral beam and columns sizes, it is im-
portant to keep in mind the following two rules:
GEOMETRIC COMPATIBILITY: b
bf
+ 1.1t
bf
+ 1/2 b
cf
Background: The SidePlate connecon typically consists of cover plates at
the beam ends to bridge the di!erence between the beam ange width and
the wider column ange width. The cover plates are "llet welded to the
beam ange edges of which the top cover plate is detailed to be approxi-
mately the same width as the column ange width.
STRONG COLUMN
WEAK BEAM COMPLIANCE FOR R=8 SMF DESIGNS ONLY:
# (Z
x,col
) > 1.7*# (Z
x,bm
) for 1-12 stories (rule of thumb)
Background: The above equaon takes into account the latest Seismic Provisions equaon for SCWB compliance of
SMF connecons, including an approximate allowance for reducon in column capacity due to axial loads as well as
the pushing out of the plasc hinge into the beam.
Computer Modeling Tips:
To appropriately represent the connecon s!ness properes of SidePlate, the computer model must reect
the following two items:
100% PANEL ZONE
RAM FRAME (v14.04+) Automacally incorporated when SidePlate is assigned as the Frame Beam
SLC1lCn
b
L
b
cf
bf
bf
CCLuMn
8LAM
SluL LA1L [A}
CCn18AC1C8 1C CLl SluL
LA1L AS 8LCul8Lu
SluL LA1L [A}
8LAM
CCLuMn

1CS
1CS
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Pg 4 of 12
Connecon Type (see below)
RAM FRAME (v14.03 and older) assign all frame beam and columns with a rigid end zone of a 0% reducon
(refer to Connecon Sness Implementaon Procedure for RAM v12 & v13)
ETABS & SAP 2000 Assign all frame beams and columns with a Rigid End O!set of r=1
RISA Assign Rigid End O!sets = 1.0
CONNECTION PROPERTIES BEYOND COLUMN FLANGE
The SidePlate connecon typically extends horizontally beyond the face of column "ange approximately 80% of
the nominal frame beam depth (e.g. typical ranges from 18-30). The connecon properes are di!erent for
high seismic (inelasc) applicaons versus wind (elasc) and low seismic applicaons.
For R=8 designs, seismic displacement will typically govern the size of the lateral beams and columns. For R=3
designs, wind displacement will typically govern.
For seismic displacement controlled lateral members, modify the properes of the beam ends for a distance DIM
A (use typical 77% of beam depth):
Ix = 3*Ix of frame beam
Depth = nominal frame beam depth + #3 (e.g. SidePlate depth)
Sx = (2*(3*Ix))/(Depth of SidePlate)
Zx = 1.15*Sx value (above)
RAM FRAME v14.04+ - Under Criteria, select SidePlate Seismic Displacement (this automacally incorporates
the appropriate properes). Then assign the moment connecon type as SidePlate using the Assign Beams
- Connec!on command refer to the PDF Specifying and Designing SidePlate Moment Frames in the RAM
Structural System
ETABS use built-in feature by assigning all frame beams to use SidePlate beam type
Note: The modi$ed Sx poron is not included in the ETABS version 9.x.x built-in feature. If overstresses of 1.25
or less are encountered in the beams, the beams may not be overstressed when checked at the end of the
side plates. In order to con$rm this, non-prismac beams will need to be ulized refer to PDF Connecon
Sness Implementaon Procedure for ETABS/SAP
RISA/SAP 2000 Insert a node
along the frame beam located at
approximately (*frame column
depth + 77% frame nominal beam
depth). Assign a new member be-
tween centerline of frame column
and new node that has the prop-
eres above.
SluL LA1L [A}
A
CCLuMn
ub
luLL-LLnC1P 8LAM 1C SluLLA1L uL1AlL
100 8lClu AnLL ZCnL
M
lx 1C1AL = 3*lx Cl 1PL 8LAM Lx1LnulnC l8CM lACL Cl
CCLuMn lC8 A ulS1AnCL LCuAL 1C 0.8*ub
CCL
CCLuMn/8LAM
SLA8A1lCn
LLLvA1lCn
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Pg 5 of 12
For wind displacement controlled lateral members, modify the proper!es of the beam ends for a distance
DIM A (use typical 77% of beam depth):
Ix = 1*Ix of frame beam
Depth = nominal frame beam depth + "3 (e.g. SidePlate depth)
Sx = (2*(1*Ix))/(Depth of SidePlate)
Zx = 1.15*Sx value (above)
RAM FRAME v14.04+ - Under Criteria, select SidePlate Wind Displacement (this automa!cally incorporates
the appropriate proper!es). Then assign the moment connec!on type as SidePlate using the Assign Beams
- Connec!on command refer to the PDF Specifying and Designing SidePlate Moment Frames in the RAM
Structural System
ETABS create a non-prisma!c beam to create proper!es above refer to PDF Connec!on S!"ness Imple-
menta!on Procedure for ETABS/SAP
RISA/SAP 2000 Insert a node along the frame beam located at approximately (*frame column depth +
77% frame nominal beam depth). Assign a new member between centerline of frame column and new node
that has the proper!es above.
SluL LA1L [A}
A
CCLuMn
ub
luLL-LLnC1P 8LAM 1C SluLLA1L uL1AlL
100 8lClu AnLL ZCnL
M
lx 1C1AL = 1*lx Cl 1PL 8LAM Lx1LnulnC l8CM lACL Cl
CCLuMn lC8 A ulS1AnCL LCuAL 1C 0.8*ub
CCL
CCLuMn/8LAM
SLA8A1lCn
LLLvA1lCn
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Pg 6 of 12
Moment Frame Protected Zone (for IMF & SMF Applications Only):
AISC Seismic Provisions prohibit certain aachments in the protected zone for all Special and Intermediate Mo-
ment Frame applicaons. If required, the protected zone will be idened in the SidePlate details. SidePlates
protected zone is idened as shown below:
Lateral Bracing of Beams (for IMF & SMF Applications Only):
EOR shall provide lateral bracing of the frame beams boom !ange in accordance with the latest AISC Seismic
Provisions, where the length of the beam is dened as the distance between the ends of the side plates. Sup-
plemental top and boom !ange bracing at the expected hinge is not required since lateral bracing of the beam
at or near the plasc hinge is provided by the side plates as proven by full-scale tests.
Lateral Bracing at Beam-to-Column Connections (for SMF Applications Only):
The SidePlate connecon is composed of two parallel side plates that are welded to the outside edges of the column
!anges for the full depth of each beam plus a certain length above. In addion, horizontal shear plates are welded to
the inside edges of the column web at the top and boom of each side plate. This conguraon creates a 100% rigid
panel zone and prevents the column !anges from buckling at the levels of top and boom beam !anges and beyond.
The connecon also provides the adequate 2% lateral bracing at these levels.
All of the full-scale tests were completed without bracing of the column !ange at top or boom beam !ange
and all conguraons had SCWB << 2.0. Test results showed no !exural yielding or lateral-torsional buckling in
the column. Hence, the SidePlate moment connecon system is considered to be a Braced Connecon in ac-
cordance with AISC Seismic Provisions Secon 9.7.
LLLvA1lCn
SluL LA1L [A}
(1?lCAL 8AnCLS 18" - 30")
ulMLnSlCn A
77 Cl 8LAM uL1P
8LAM
uL1P
nC 88ACL C8 A11ACPMLn1 Cn 1PL
8LAMlLAnCLS C8 WL8 Wl1Pln 1PlS
ZCnL, unLLSS A8CvLu 8? SluLLA1L
S?S1LMS, lnC. Anu SLC8
"8C1LC1Lu ZCnL"
83 Cl 8LAM uL1P
(1?lCAL 8AnCL
2 1/2" - 3 1/2")
(1?lCAL 8AnCL
6" - 12")
(1?lCAL 8AnCL
1/2" - 1 1/2")
8C11CM CCvL8 LA1L
CCLuMn
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Pg 7 of 12
Attaching to Face of Side Plate:
It is acceptable to weld to the face of the side
plates in the area indicated using the project ap-
proved minimum preheat.







Curved Moment Frames:
Due to the inherent torsional robustness of the SidePlate connec!on, curved moment frames are easily achiev-
able without compromising performance by u!lizing one of the following typical methods:
1. A skewed moment frame beam is shop cut into three pieces, their ends mitered to create the required beam
skew angle and then complete joint penetra!on (CJP) shop welded back together. Typical skew angles range
between 2-15 degrees without requiring any special analysis. Field installa!on is the same as straight beams
using "llet welds. In order to resist the out-of-plane force in the beam due to the skew, appropriate lateral
bracing of the bo#om beam $ange must be provided within 12 of the mitered joint refer to detail below.
For angles greater than 15 degrees and up to 30 degrees, contact SidePlate Systems for addi!onal solu!ons.
LLLvA1lCn
SluL LA1L [A}
CCLuMn
CCnnLC1lCnS lnSluL PA1CP A8LA
nLLu A8CvAL l8CM1PL SLC8
Anu SluLLA1L S?S1LMS, lnC.
nC1L
Ck 1C A11ACP ln
nCn-PA1CP A8LA
8C11CM CCvL8
LA1L
3" 1?
8" 1?
Llnk 8LAM
CCLuMn
SluL LA1L [A}
SLlCL
88AClnC
MLM8L8
8ACklnC
8A8
LAN VILW
12"
MAx
BEAM
SKEW ANGLE
~2 1lMLS nCMlnAL
8LAM uL1P
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Pg 8 of 12
2. A skewed moment frame beam with bent side plates is the same concept as the skewed moment frame
beam in op!on 1) where the beam can be a series of 3 straight segments, but instead the curvature begins
just passed the column "anges within the gap regions by bending the side plates. Alternately, the beam can
be straight from side plates to side plates - refer to detail below. Please Contact SidePlate Systems for details.
Cantilevers (Drags similar):
Can!levers can be used at SidePlate connec!ons whether they are framing into the face of the moment frame
column "ange (e.g. parallel to the moment frame beam) or framing into the face of the side plate (e.g. perpen-
dicular to the moment frame beam).
For condi!ons where the can!lever beam is parallel to the moment frame beam and
Can!lever is about 4 or less from the face of column "ange, the typical detail is to simply complete joint
penetra!on (CJP) weld the can!lever beam to the moment frame column "ange. Short can!levers like this
could be shop welded to minimize #eld welding.
Can!lever is greater than 4, there are two op!ons that can be done:
o Op!on 1) Field CJP weld the can!lever beam to the column "ange, or
o Op!on 2) use a two-sided SidePlate moment connec!on and #eld #llet weld the can!lever beam
to the side plates.
Note: op!on 2 is commonly done for long can!levers and/or heavily loaded can!levers.
For condi!ons where the can!lever beam is perpendicular to the moment frame beam, there are three possible
scenarios that can occur:
1. Can!lever beam is shallower than the moment frame beam
2. Can!lever beam is deeper than the moment frame beam
3. Can!lever beam is the same depth series as the moment frame beam.
SKEW ANGLE
W.. 1 [ lnSluL
8
A
u
l
A
L
L
C
L
C
L
C
L
C
W.. 2 [ lACL Cl
8Cx CCLuMn
88LAk Cln1
lC8 Cl8uL8S
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Pg 9 of 12
For shallower canlever beams, it is strongly rec-
ommended whenever possible to ulize a canle-
ver beam that is one beam depth series shallower
than the moment frame beam depth to minimize
the addional exural loads imparted onto the
side plates, thus minimizing any increase to the
thickness of the side plates refer to sample de-
tail to the right.







For canlever beams deeper than the moment frame beam,
no addional special consideraons are required refer to
sample detail to the le for a typical detail used for these
condions.






For same depth or idencal sized canlever beams, this condion is discouraged because of the boom of the
canlever beam will frame directly into the boom edge of the side plate, thus not allowing an appropriate CJP
welding of the canlever beams boom ange to the face of the side plate. If this condion is essenal and cant
be eliminated, please contact SidePlate Systems for addional soluons that are available upon request.
SluL LA1L [A}
8LAM
SPLA8 1A8, 8CL1S
Anu WLLulnC 8?
C1PL8S
CCLuMn
8LAM
LLLvA1lCn
8LAM
SPLA8 1A8, 8CL1S
Anu WLLulnC 8?
C1PL8S
CCLuMn
SluL LA1L [A}

LLLvA1lCn
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Pg 10 of 12
Sloping Roofs and Exterior Floors:
Sloping roofs and sloping exterior framed oors are typically sloped for drainage and/or architectural design pur-
poses up to a maximum of 1.5 per foot. Slopes greater than 1.5 per foot are possible. Please contact SidePlate
Systems for details.
SidePlate moment frames can be easily sloped in a variety of ways as depicted below:
CCLuMn
A1 CCn18AC1C8'S
ulSC8L1lCn, SluL
LA1L MA? 8L Cu1 AS
SPCWn
8LAM
SluL LA1L [A}
8LAM
8LAM
CCLuMn
SluL LA1L [A}
8LAM
8LAM
CCLuMn
SluL LA1L [A}
8LAM
SluL LA1L [A}
CCLuMn
8LAM
SluL LA1L [A}
8LAM
CCLuMn
8LAM
SluL LA1L
[A}
CCLuMn
Llnk 8LAM
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Pg 11 of 12
Perpendicular Braces to SidePlate Moment
Connections:
Diagonal bracing lateral load resisng elements (i.e.
wide ange, HSS, BRB or dampers) framing perpen-
dicular to SidePlate connecons can be easily ac-
commodated by ulizing a detail such as :








Termination of Moment Frame Column and
Roofs
The terminaon of moment frame columns above the
top of steel need to be coordinated to ensure that the
top of the moment frame column assembly is within the
!nished oor or roof elevaon. For standard popped
out condions, this distance is typically about 4 above
the top of steel refer to popped out opon detail to
the right.


For condions where this distance is required to be
less than 4, there is a recessed opon which can
achieve a 2-3 distance refer to recessed opon de-
tail to the le".
CCLuMn
8LAMAS CCCu8S
CCnnLC1lCn 8?
C1PL8S
LLLvA1lCn
CLu Cu1 C1lCn
CCLuMn WL8
SluL LA1L [A}
PC8lZCn1AL
SPLA8 LA1L [u}
ulM 8 MlnuS
8LAM uL1P
1C Cl CCLuMn
1CS
8LCLSSLu C1lCn
CCLuMn WL8
SluL LA1L [A}
PC8lZCn1AL
SPLA8 LA1L [u}
ulM 8 MlnuS
8LAM uL1P
1C Cl CCLuMn
1CS
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Pg 12 of 12

SLlCL
SluL LA1L [A}
CA
A
x
8LAM
uL1P
Llnk 8LAM
CCLuMn
l
A8Cx
3" Mln
8
Termination of Moment Frame Biaxial Column and Roofs
For biaxial moment frame column applicaons only, this distance is a minimum of 8 above the top of steel. Ev-
ery eort should be made in design to terminate such biaxial moment frame columns at a level below the roof to
preclude the addional detailing that may be required at roof condions.
Facade Attachements
When faade a!achments occur at perimeter moment frame columns, it should be noted that the top of the
horizontal shear plates (resng on top of the side plates) are typically 3-4 above the top of steel and should
coordinated with the faade manufacturer.
For high seismic projects only, faade a!achments on moment frame beams need to be coordinated between
the architect and the structural engineer of record to preclude any welding to the beam "anges located within
the beam protected zone.
For condions where this distance is required to be less than 4, there is a recessed opon which can achieve a
2-3 distance refer to recessed opon detail previous page.
Location of Frame Beam Splice (as occurs):
The locaon of frame beam splice, DIM F, can be approximated as follows:
mes the frame column depth + horizontal extension of side plates (77% of beam depth) + 1.25 mes the
frame beam depth
Call SidePlate Systems for project speci#c informaon