Design of Seismic-

Resistant Steel
Building Structures
1. Introduction and
Basic Principles

Prepared by:
Michael D. Engelhardt
University of Texas at Austin
with the support of the
American Institute of Steel Construction.
Version 1 - March 2007
 Design of Seismic-Resistant
Steel Building Structures

1 - Introduction and Basic Principles

2 - Moment Resisting Frames
3 - Concentrically Braced Frames
4 - Eccentrically Braced Frames
5 - Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames
6 - Special Plate Shear Walls
 1 - Introduction and Basic Principles

• Performance of Steel Buildings in Past Earthquakes

• Codes for Seismic Resistant Steel Buildings

• Building Code Philosophy and Approach

• Overview of AISC Seismic Provisions

• AISC Seismic Provisions - General Requirements

Applicable to All Steel Systems
 Introduction and Basic Principles

• Performance of Steel Buildings in Past Earthquakes

• Codes for Seismic Resistant Steel Buildings

• Building Code Philosophy and Approach

• Overview of AISC Seismic Provisions

• AISC Seismic Provisions - General Requirements

Applicable to All Steel Systems
 Landslides Collapse of RC Buildings
Collapse of RC Buildings
Other Causes

Collapse of Timber
Buildings
Landslides

Fire Collapse of Other Causes Collapse of

Masonry Buildings Masonry Buildings

Collapse of Timber
Buildings
Fire

Earthquake Fatalities: 1900 - 1949 Earthquake Fatalities: 1950 - 1990

(795,000 Fatalities) (583,000 Fatalities)

Causes of Earthquake Fatalities: 1900 to 1990

 Introduction and Basic Principles

• Performance of Steel Buildings in Past Earthquakes

• Codes for Seismic Resistant Steel Buildings

• Building Code Philosophy and Approach

• Overview of AISC Seismic Provisions

• AISC Seismic Provisions - General Requirements

Applicable to All Steel Systems
 US Seismic Code Provisions
for Steel
• Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC) Blue
Book – 1988:
First comprehensive detailing provisions for steel

• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Seismic

Provisions
– 1st ed. 1990
– 2nd ed. 1992
– 3rd ed. 1997
• Supplement No. 1: February 1999
• Supplement No. 2: November 2000
– 4th ed. 2002
– 5th ed. 2005
 1 - Introduction and Basic Principles

• Performance of Steel Buildings in Past Earthquakes

• Codes for Seismic Resistant Steel Buildings

• Building Code Philosophy and Approach

• Overview of AISC Seismic Provisions

• AISC Seismic Provisions - General Requirements

Applicable to All Steel Systems
Conventional Building Code Philosophy for
Earthquake-Resistant Design

Objective: Prevent collapse in the extreme

earthquake likely to occur at a
building site.

Objectives are not to:

- limit damage
- maintain function
- provide for easy repair
To Survive Strong Earthquake
without Collapse:

Design for Ductile Behavior

 H

Ductility = Inelastic Deformation

H
 H
H

Δyield Δfailure

Δfailure
Ductility Factor μ =
Δyield
 H H
Helastic

3/4 *Helastic

1/2 *Helastic
Strength

Req’d Ductility
1/4 *Helastic

MAX
Ductility in Steel Structures: Yielding

Nonductile Failure Modes: Fracture or Instability

Ductility = Yielding
H
Failure =
Fracture
or
Instability
 Developing Ductile Behavior:

• Choose frame elements ("fuses") that will yield in an

earthquake; e.g. beams in moment resisting frames, braces
in concentrically braced frames, links in eccentrically braced
frames, etc.
• Detail "fuses" to sustain large inelastic deformations prior to
the onset of fracture or instability (i.e. , detail fuses for
ductility).
• Design all other frame elements to be stronger than the fuses,
i.e., design all other frame elements to develop the plastic
capacity of the fuses.
 (a) (b)

Examples of:
(a) More Ductile Behavior
(b) Less Ductile Behavior
Key Elements of Seismic-Resistant Design

Required Lateral Strength

ASCE-7:
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures

Detailing for Ductility

AISC:
Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings
Design EQ Loads – Base Shear per ASCE 7-05:

V  Cs W
SDS SD1
Cs  
 R I T  R I
R factors for Selected Steel Systems (ASCE 7):

SMF (Special Moment Resisting Frames): R=8

IMF (Intermediate Moment Resisting Frames): R = 4.5
OMF (Ordinary Moment Resisting Frames): R = 3.5
EBF (Eccentrically Braced Frames): R = 8 or 7
SCBF (Special Concentrically Braced Frames): R=6
OCBF (Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames): R = 3.25
BRBF (Buckling Restrained Braced Frame): R = 8 or 7
SPSW (Special Plate Shear Walls): R=7

Undetailed Steel Systems in

Seismic Design Categories A, B or C R=3
(AISC Seismic Provisions not needed)
 1 - Introduction and Basic Principles

• Performance of Steel Buildings in Past Earthquakes

• Codes for Seismic Resistant Steel Buildings

• Building Code Philosophy and Approach

• Overview of AISC Seismic Provisions

• AISC Seismic Provisions - General Requirements

Applicable to All Steel Systems
2005 AISC Seismic Provisions
Organization of the
2005 AISC Seismic Provisions

Part I: Seismic design provisions for structural

steel buildings
Part II: Seismic design provisions for composite
structural steel and reinforced concrete
buildings
 AISC Seismic Provisions for
Structural Steel Buildings – Part I
Symbols
Glossary
1. Scope
2. Referenced Specifications, Codes and Standards
3. General Seismic Design Requirements
4. Loads, Load Combinations and Nominal Strengths
5. Structural Design Drawings and Specifications, Shop
Drawings and Erection Drawings
6. Materials
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
8. Members
9. Special Moment Frames (SMF)
10. Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF)
11. Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF)
12. Special Truss Moment Frames (STMF)
13. Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
14. Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF)
15. Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF)
16. Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF)
17. Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW)
18. Quality Assurance Plan
Appendix P: Prequalification of Beam-to-Column and
Link-to-Column Connections
Appendix Q: Quality Assurance Plan
Appendix R: Seismic Design Coefficients and
Approximate Period Parameters
Appendix S: Qualifying Cyclic Tests of Beam-to-
Column and Link-to-Column
Connections
Appendix T: Qualifying Cyclic Tests of Buckling
Restrained Braces
Appendix W: Welding Provisions
Appendix X: Weld Metal / Welding Procedure
Specification Toughness Verification
Test
 1 - Introduction and Basic Principles

• Performance of Steel Buildings in Past Earthquakes

• Codes for Seismic Resistant Steel Buildings

• Building Code Philosophy and Approach

• Overview of AISC Seismic Provisions

• AISC Seismic Provisions - General Requirements

Applicable to All Steel Systems
2005 AISC Seismic Provisions
General Provisions Applicable
to All Systems

Highlights of
Glossary and Sections 1 to 8
AISC Seismic Provisions:
Glossary - Selected Terms

Applicable Building Code (ABC)

ABC = Building code under which the structure is

designed (the local building code that
governs the design of the structure)

Where there is no local building code - use ASCE 7

AISC Seismic Provisions:
Glossary - Selected Terms

Seismic Load Resisting System (SLRS)

Assembly of structural elements in the building

that resists seismic loads, including struts,
collectors, chords, diaphragms and trusses
AISC Seismic Provisions:
Glossary - Selected Terms

Seismic Use Group (SUG): ASCE 7-02

Classification assigned to a structure based
on its use.

ASCE 7-05: No longer uses "Seismic Use Groups"

Now defines Occupancy Categories
Occupancy Categories (ASCE 7-05)

Occupancy Category Description Importance Factor I

Essential facilities
(Hospitals, fire and police stations,
IV emergency shelters, etc) 1.5
Structures containing extremely
hazardous materials
Structures that pose a substantial
hazard to human life in the event of
failure
III 1.25
(buildings with 300 people in one area, day
care facilities with capacity more than 150,
schools with a capacity more than 250, etc)

Buildings not in Occupancy Categories

II I, III, or IV 1.0
(most buildings)

Buildings that represent a low hazard to

human life in the event of failure
I (agricultural facilities, temporary facilities,
1.0
minor storage facilities)
AISC Seismic Provisions:
Glossary - Selected Terms

Seismic Design Category (SDC)

Classification assigned to a structure based on its
Occupancy Category and the severity of the
anticipated ground motions at the site

SDCs: A
Increasing seismic risk
B
and
C
Increasingly stringent seismic
D design and detailing
requirements
E
F
To Determine the Seismic Design Category (ASCE 7-05):

Determine Occupancy Category

Determine SS and S1
SS = spectral response acceleration for maximum considered earthquake at short periods
S1 = spectral response acceleration for maximum considered earthquake at 1-sec period
Ss and S1 are read from maps (or from USGS website)

Determine Site Class

Site Class depends on soils conditions - classified according to shear wave velocity,
standard penetration tests, or undrained shear strength

Determine SMS and SM1

Spectral response accelerations for maximum considered earthquake
adjusted for the Site Class;
SMS = Fa Ss SM1 = Fv S1
Fa and Fv depend on Site Class and on Ss and S1

Determine SDS and SD1

Design spectral response accelerations
SDS = 2/3 x SMS SD1 = 2/3 x SM1
Map for SS
Map for S1
 Seismic Hazard Maps

• Interactive program available from USGS website.

– Seismic design values for buildings
– Input longitude and latitude at site, or zip code
– Output SS and S1
• http://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/hazmaps/design/
To Determine the Seismic Design Category (ASCE 7-05):

Evaluate Seismic Design Category According to Tables 11.6-1 and 11.6-2;

The Seismic Design Category is the most severe value based on both Tables.

Table 11.6-1
Seismic Design Category Based on Short Period Response
Accelerations

Occupancy Category
Value of
SDS I or II III IV

SDS< 0.167g A A A
0.167g ≤ SDS < 0.33g B B C
0.33g ≤ SDS < 0.50g C C D
0.50g ≤ SDS Da Da Da

a For sites with S1 ≥ 0.75g: Seismic Design Category = E for OC I, II, or III
Seismic Design Category = F for OC IV
 Table 11.6-2
Seismic Design Category Based on 1-Second Period Response
Accelerations

Occupancy Category
Value of
SD1 I or II III IV

SD1< 0.067g A A A
0.067g ≤ SD1 < 0.133g B B C
0.133g ≤ SD1 < 0.20g C C D
0.20g ≤ SD1 Da Da Da

a For sites with S1 ≥ 0.75g: Seismic Design Category = E for OC I, II, or III
Seismic Design Category = F for OC IV
AISC Seismic Provisions: Sections 1 to 8
1. Scope
2. Referenced Specifications, Codes and Standards
3. General Seismic Design Requirements
4. Loads, Load Combinations and Nominal Strengths
5. Structural Design Drawings and Specifications,
Shop Drawings and Erection Drawings
6. Materials
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
8. Members
AISC Seismic Provisions:
Section 1 - Scope

The Seismic Provisions apply to the seismic

load resisting system (SLRS) and to splices in
columns not part of the SLRS

The Seismic Provisions are used in conjunction

with the AISC Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings
AISC Seismic Provisions:
Section 1 - Scope (cont)

Use of Seismic Provisions is mandatory for

Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Use of Seismic Provisions are mandatory for

Seismic Design Categories A, B or C; when using
R>3

For Seismic Design Categories A, B or C: can

design using R=3, and provide no special detailing
(just design per main AISC Specification)
AISC Seismic Provisions:
Section 3 - General Seismic Design Requirements

Go to the Applicable Building Code for:

• Occupancy Category
• Seismic Design Category
• Limits on Height and Irregularity
• Drift Limitations
• Required Strength
 AISC Seismic Provisions:
Section 4
Loads, Load Combinations
and Nominal Strengths

4.1 Loads and Load Combinations

4.2 Nominal Strength
AISC Seismic Provisions:
4.1 Loads and Load Combinations

Go to the Applicable Building Code for Loads

and Load Combinations.
Basic LRFD Load Combinations (ASCE-7):

1.4D
1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5(Lr or S or R)
1.2D + 1.6(Lr or S or R) + (0.5L or 0.8W)
1.2D + 1.6W + 0.5L + 0.5(Lr or S or R)
0.9D + 1.6W
1.2D + 1.0E + 0.5L + 0.2S Load Combinations
0.9D + 1.0E Including E
Definition of E for use in basic load combinations:

For Load Combination: 1.2D + 1.0E + 0.5L + 0.2S

E = ρ QE + 0.2 SDS D

For Load Combination: 0.9D + 1.0E

E = ρ QE - 0.2 SDS D
 E = ρ QE  0.2 SDS D

effect of horizontal forces effect of vertical forces

E = the effect of horizontal and vertical

earthquake-induced forces
QE = effect of horizontal earthquake-
induced forces
SDS = design spectral acceleration at short
periods
D = dead load effect
ρ = reliability factor
(depends on extent of redundancy in the
seismic lateral resisting system;
ρ varies from 1.0 to 1.5)
Substitute E into basic load combinations:

For Load Combination: 1.2D + 1.0E + 0.5L + 0.2S

substitute: E = ρ QE + 0.2 SDS D

(1.2 + 0.2 SDS) D + 1.0 ρ QE + 0.5L +0.2S

For Load Combination: 0.9D + 1.0E

substitute: E = ρ QE - 0.2 SDS D

(0.9 - 0.2 SDS) D + 1.0 ρ QE

AISC Seismic Provisions:
4.1 Loads and Load Combinations (cont.)

Where amplified seismic loads are required by

the AISC Seismic Provisions:

The horizontal portion of the earthquake load E

shall be multiplied by the overstrength factor o
prescribed by the applicable building code.
Definition of Amplified Seismic Load (ASCE-7)

For Load Combination: 1.2D + 1.0E + 0.5L + 0.2S

Amplified Seismic Load: E = Ωo QE + 0.2 SDS D

For Load Combination: 0.9D + 1.0E

Amplified Seismic Load: E = Ωo QE - 0.2 SDS D

Basic load combinations incorporating
Amplified Seismic Load:

For Load Combination: 1.2D + 1.0E + 0.5L + 0.2S

substitute: E = Ωo QE + 0.2 SDS D

(1.2 + 0.2 SDS) D + Ωo QE + 0.5L +0.2S

For Load Combination: 0.9D + 1.0E

substitute: E = Ωo QE - 0.2 SDS D

(0.9 - 0.2 SDS) D + Ωo QE

Seismic Overstrength Factor: Ωo

Per ASCE-7:

System Ωo
Moment Frames (SMF, IMF, OMF) 3
Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF, OCBF) 2
Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF) 2
Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW) 2
Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF)
- moment resisting beam-column
2.5
connections
- non-moment resisting beam-column
connections 2
Amplified Seismic Load

Lateral Seismic Force

Ωo Qe

Qe

Frame Lateral Deflection

Amplified Seismic Load, ΩoQe, is intended to provide an

estimate of a frame's plastic lateral strength
 AISC Seismic Provisions:
Section 6
Materials

6.1 Material Specifications

6.2 Material Properties for Determination of
Required Strength of Members and
Connections
6.3 Heavy Section CVN Requirements
AISC Seismic Provisions:
6.1 Material Specifications

For members in which inelastic behavior is

expected:
Specified minimum Fy ≤ 50 ksi

Exceptions:
• Columns for which only expected yielding
is at the base;
• Members in OMFs and OCBFs (permitted
to use up to Fy = 55 ksi)
AISC Seismic Provisions:
6.2 Material Properties for Determination of Required Strength of
Members and Connections

Expected Yield Strength = Ry Fy

Expected Tensile Strength = Rt Fu

Fy = minimum specified yield strength

Fu = minimum specified tensile strength

Ry and Rt are based on statistical analysis of

mill data.
 Table I-6-1
Ry and Rt Values for Different Member Types

Application Ry Rt
Hot-Rolled Shapes and Bars:
ASTM A36 1.5 1.2
ASTM A572 Gr 42 1.1 1.1
ASTM A992; A572 Gr 50 or Gr 55;
ASTM A913 Gr 50, 60 or 65; ASTM A588;
A1011 HSLAS Gr 50 1.1 1.1
ASTM A529 Gr 50 1.2 1.2
ASTM A529 Gr 55 1.1 1.2
Hollow Structural Sections (HSS):
ASTM A500 Gr B or Gr C; ASTM A501 1.4 1.3
Pipe:
ASTM A53 1.6 1.2
Plates:
ASTM A36 1.3 1.2
ASTM A572 Gr50; ASTM A588 1.1 1.2
Example: A36 angles used for brace in an SCBF

Fy = 36 ksi
Fu = 58 ksi
Ry Fy = 1.5  36 ksi = 54 ksi
Rt Fu = 1.2  58 ksi = 70 ksi

Example: A992 wide flange used for beam in an SMF

Fy = 50 ksi
Fu = 65 ksi
Ry Fy = 1.1  50 ksi = 55 ksi
Rt Fu = 1.1  65 ksi = 72 ksi
AISC Seismic Provisions:
6.2 Material Properties for Determination of Required Strength of
Members and Connections (cont)

Where specified in the Seismic Provisions, the

required strength of a member or connection shall
be based on the Expected Yield Strength, Ry Fy of
an adjoining member.

The Expected Tensile Strength, Rt Fu and the

Expected Yield Strength, Ry Fy may be used to
compute the nominal strength for rupture and
yielding limit states within the same member.
Example: SCBF Brace and Brace Connection

To size brace member:

Required Strength defined by code

specified forces (using ASCE-7 load
combinations)

Design Strength of member computed

using minimum specified Fy
Example: SCBF Brace and Brace Connection (cont)

Ry Fy Ag

Required Axial Tension Strength of brace

connection is the expected yield strength
of bracing member = Ry Fy Ag
Example: SCBF Brace and Brace Connection (cont)

Ry Fy Ag

Gusset Plate:
Compute design strength using min
specified Fy and Fu of gusset plate
material
Example: SCBF Brace and Brace Connection (cont)

Ry Fy Ag

Bolts:
Compute design shear strength using
min specified Fu of bolt
Example: SCBF Brace and Brace Connection (cont)

Ry Fy Ag

Net Section Fracture and Block Shear

Fracture of Bracing Member:
Compute design strength using expected
yield strength, RyFy and expected
tensile strength, Rt Fu of the brace
material.
 AISC Seismic Provisions:
Section 7
Connections, Joints and Fasteners

7.1 Scope
7.2 Bolted Joints
7.3 Welded Joints
7.4 Protected Zone
7.5 Continuity Plates and Stiffeners
AISC Seismic Provisions:
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
7.1 Scope

Connections, joints and fasteners that are part of the seismic

load resisting system (SLRS) shall comply with the AISC
Specification Chapter J, and with the additional requirements in
this section.

Connections in the SLRS shall be configured such that a ductile

limit state in either the connection or in the connected member
controls the design.
AISC Seismic Provisions:
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
7.2 Bolted Joints

Requirements for bolted joints:

• All bolts must be high strength (A325 or A490)
• Bolted joints may be designed as bearing type connections, but must
be constructed as slip critical
- bolts must be pretensioned
- faying surfaces must satisfy Class A surface requirements
• Holes: standard size or short-slots perpendicular to load
(exception: oversize holes are permitted for diagonal brace
connections, but the connection must be designed as slip-critical and
the oversize hole is permitted in one ply only)
• Nominal bearing strength at bolt holes cannot exceed 2.4 d t Fu
AISC Seismic Provisions:
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
7.2 Bolted Joints (cont)

Bolts and welds shall not be designed to share force in a joint, or the
same force component in a connection.
Bolts and welds sharing same
force:
Not Permitted
Fig. C-I-7.1a. Desirable details that avoid shared forces between welds and bolts.
AISC Seismic Provisions:
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
7.3 Welded Joints

Welding shall be performed in accordance

with Appendix W

Welding shall be performed in accordance with a

welding procedure specification (WPS) as required
in AWS D1.1 and approved by the engineer of
record.
WPS variables (voltage, current, wire feed speed,
etc) shall be within the limits recommended by the
filler metal manufacturer.
AISC Seismic Provisions:
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
7.3a Welded Joints - General Requirements

All welds in the SLRS shall have a minimum

Charpy V-Notch (CVN) toughness of:

20 ft-lbs at 0 oF

CVN rating of filler metal may be determined using

AWS classification test methods.
AISC Seismic Provisions:
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
7.3b Welded Joints - Demand Critical Welds

Welds designated as Demand Critical shall have a

minimum Charpy V-Notch (CVN) toughness of:

20 ft-lbs at -20 oF (per AWS test methods)

AND

40 ft-lbs at 70 oF (per AISC Seismic

Provisions - Appendix X)
AISC Seismic Provisions:
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
7.4 Protected Zone

Portions of the SLRS designated as a Protected Zone,

shall comply with the following:
• No welded shear studs are permitted.
• No decking attachments that penetrate the beam
flange are permitted (no powder actuated fasteners);
but, decking arc spot welds are permitted.
• No welded, bolted, screwed, or shot-in attachments
for edge angles, exterior facades, partitions, duct
work, piping, etc are permitted.
• Discontinuities from fabrication or erection operations
(such as tack welds, erection aids, etc) shall be
repaired.
Examples of Protected Zones: SMF

Protected Zones
Examples of Protected Zones: SCBF

Protected Zones
Examples of Protected Zones: EBF

Protected Zones
 AISC Seismic Provisions:
Section 8
Members

8.1 Scope
8.2 Classification of Sections for Local
Buckling
8.3 Column Strength
8.4 Column Splices
8.5 Column Bases
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.2 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

Local buckling of members can significantly affect both strength and

ductility of the member.

Members of the SLRS that are expected to experience significant

inelastic action (e.g. beams in SMF, braces in SCBF, links in EBF,
etc), must satisfy strict width-thickness limits to assure adequate
ductility can be developed prior to local buckling.
Such members must be seismically compact.

For seismically compact sections, the width-thickness ratios of the

elements of the cross-section cannot exceed ps, as specified in
Table I-8-1.
Local buckling of a moment frame beam.....
Local buckling of an EBF link.....
Local buckling of an HSS column....
Local buckling of an HSS brace.....
Effect of Local Buckling on Flexural Strength and Ductility

q
M

Mp

Increasing b / t

q
 Effect of Local Buckling on Flexural Strength and Ductility

Plastic Buckling
Moment Capacity

Mp Inelastic Buckling

0.7My Elastic Buckling

ps p r Width-Thickness Ratio

Ductility
AISC Seismic Provisions:
1
TABLE I-8-1
Limiting Width-Thickness Ratios for
Compression Elements
Width Limiting Width-
Thick- Thickness Ratios
ness ps
Description of Element
Ratio (seismically compact)
Flexure in flanges of rolled or built-up I- b/t 0.30 E / Fy
shaped sections [a], [c], [e], [g], [h]
Uniform compression in flanges of rolled or b/t 0.30 E / Fy
built-up I-shaped sections [b], [h]
Uniform compression in flanges of rolled or b/t
built-up I-shaped sections [d]
0.38 E / Fy
Uniform compression in flanges of channels, b/t
0.30 E / Fy
Unstiffened Elements

outstanding legs of pairs of angles

in continuous contact, and braces
[c], [g]
Uniform compression in flanges of H-pile
sections b/t 0.45 E / Fy

Flat bars[f]
b/t 2.5

Uniform compression in legs of single b/t

angles, legs of double angle
0.30 E / Fy
members with separators, or flanges
of tees [g]
Uniform compression in stems of tees [g] d/t
0.30 E / Fy
Note: See continued Table I-8-1 for stiffened elements.
AISC Seismic Provisions: TABLE I-8-1 (cont.)
Limiting Width-Thickness Ratios for
Compression Elements
Limiting Width-
Width Thickness Ratios
Thickness ps
Description of Element Ratio (seismically compact)
Webs in flexural compression in h/tw 2.45 E / Fy
beams in SMF, Section 9, unless
noted otherwise
Webs in flexural compression or h/tw for Ca  0.125 [k]
combined flexure and axial
E
compression [a], [c], [g], 3.14
Fy
1  1.54Ca 
[h], [i], [ j]

Stiffened Elements
for Ca  0.125 [k]
E E
1.12
Fy
2.33 Ca   1.49 F
y

Round HSS in axial and/or flexural D/t 0.044 E /Fy

compression [c], [g]
Rectangular HSS in axial and/or b/t or 0.64 E / Fy
flexural compression [c], [g] h/tw
Webs of H-Pile sections h/tw 0.94 E / Fy

[a] Required for beams in SMF, Section 9 and SPSW, Section 17.
[b] Required for columns in SMF, Section 9, unless the ratios from Pu
Equation 9-3 are greater than 2.0 where it is permitted to use p in [ k] For LRFD, Ca 
Specification Table B4.1.
bPy
[c] Required for braces and columns in SCBF, Section 13 and braces in bPa
OCBF, Section 14. For ASD, Ca 
Py
[d] It is permitted to use p in Specification Table B4.1 for columns in
STMF, Section 12 and columns in EBF, Section 15. where
[e] Required for link in EBF, Section 15, except it is permitted to use p in Pa = required compressive
Table B4.1 of the Specification for flanges of links of length 1.6Mp / Vp strength (ASD), kips
or less. (N)
[f] Diagonal web members within the special segment of Pu = required compressive
STMF, Section 12. strength (LRFD),
[g] Chord members of STMF, Section 12. kips (N)
[h] Required for beams and columns in BRBF, Section 16. Py = axial yield strength,
[i] Required for columns in SPSW, Section 17. kips (N)
[j] For columns in STMF, Section 12; columns in SMF, if the ratios from b = 0.90
Equation 9-3 are greater than 2.0; columns in EBF, Section 15; or b = 1.67
EBF with flanges of links of length 1.6 Mp / Vp or less, it is permitted to
use the following for p:
E
for Ca  0.125, p = 3.76
Fy
1  2.75Ca 
E E
for Ca > 0.125, p = 1.12
Fy
 2.33  Ca   1.49 F
y

1
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.3 Column Strength

When Pu /  Pn > 0.4 (where Pu is computed without

consideration of the amplified
seismic load)

Then, the required axial compressive strength and

tensile strength of the column, considered in the
absence of any applied moment, shall be determined
using the load combinations including the amplified
seismic load:

(1.2 + 0.2 SDS) D + Ωo QE + 0.5L +0.2S

(0.9 - 0.2 SDS) D + Ωo QE

AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.3 Column Strength (cont)

Exception:
The required axial compressive and tensile strength of
a column need not exceed:

a) The maximum load transferred to the column

considering 1.1Ry times the nominal strengths of
the connecting beam or brace elements
b) The limit as determined from the resistance of the
foundation to overturning uplift.
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.3 Column Strength (cont)

Exception:
The required axial compressive and tensile strength of
a column need not exceed:

a) The maximum load transferred to the column

considering 1.1Ry times the nominal strengths of
the connecting beam or brace elements
b) The limit as determined from the resistance of the
foundation to overturning uplift.
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
8.4a. General

Column splices in any SLRS frame must

satisfy requirements of Section 8.4a.

Additional requirements for columns splices are

specified for:
- Special Moment Frames (Section 9.9)
- Intermediate Moment Frames (Section 10.9)
- Special Concentrically Braced Frames (Section 13.5)
- Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (Section 16.5c)
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
Based on amplified
8.4a. General seismic loads or
Pu - splice capacity design
analysis

The required strength of

column splices shall equal Mu - splice Based on code
the required strength of Vu - splice level forces
columns, including that
determined from Section 8.3
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
8.4a. General (cont).

Welded column splices subjected to net

tension when subjected to amplified
seismic loads, shall satisfy both of the
following requirements:

1. If partial joint penetration (PJP) groove

welded joints are used, the design strength of
the PJP welds shall be at least 200-percent of
the required strength.
And....
2. The design strength of each flange splice
shall be at least 0.5 Ry Fy Af for the smaller
flange
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
8.4a. General (cont).

PJP Groove Weld

Stress concentration:
Fracture initiation
point.

Design PJP groove

weld for 200 % of
required strength

( PJP Groove welds not permitted in column splices

for Special and Intermediate Moment Frames)
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
8.4a. General (cont).

Where PJP grove welds are used,

beveled transitions are not required.

Where Complete Joint Penetration (CJP) groove

welds are used, beveled transitions are required per
AWS D1.1
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
8.4a. General (cont).

Column web splices shall be

bolted or welded, or welded to
one column and bolted to the
other.
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
8.4a. General (cont).

Splices made with fillet welds or

PJP welds shall be located at
least 4-ft. from beam-to-column
connections

4 ft. min
AISC Seismic Provisions:
8.4 Column Splices
8.4a. General (cont).

Splices made with fillet welds or

PJP welds shall be located at
least 4-ft. from beam-to-column
connections

4 ft. min
AISC Seismic Provisions: Sections 1 to 8

1. Scope
2. Referenced Specifications, Codes and Standards
3. General Seismic Design Requirements
4. Loads, Load Combinations and Nominal Strengths
5. Structural Design Drawings and Specifications,
Shop Drawings and Erection Drawings
6. Materials
7. Connections, Joints and Fasteners
8. Members