At our core, SidePlate is built upon a culture of continuous research and development (R&D). Our talented team of structural and software engineers continuously work on methods to improve the performance of moment frame buildings and the design/detailing tools to support successful projects.  The team regularly shares our research with our industry colleagues through technical papers, engineering journals and in our quarterly newsletter.

Full-Scale Testing

The ANSI/AISC 341 Provisions (Seismic Provisions) establish the performance criteria for steel frame connections in an Intermediate or Special Moment Frame (SMF).  SidePlate and SidePlate PLUS connections have undergone nearly 40 full-scale tests over the years. These tests are carried out by a 3rd party, and the results consistently prove that our designs far exceed the minimum requirements established by the code.  Further, the latest resiliency compliance testing shows that SidePlate designs exhibit limited deformation at design-level earthquakes.  This has been independently validated based on the criteria set forth in FEMA P-58.

 

 

SidePlate PLUS Test #1

Full-scale seismic testing of SidePlate PLUS Technology (SMF). While the code requires cycles at 4% rotation, this connection went all the way to 9%.

SidePlate PLUS SMF Test H1 Close up

W21x73 beam and HSS14x14x7/8 column being tested per AISC's protocol. 9% rotation achieved with SidePlate PLUS Technology (SMF) vs. only 4% required. Tested at UC-San Diego on 10/1/15.

SidePlate PLUS SMF Test H2 Close up

W24x84 beam and HSS18x18x3/4 column. 2 cycles at 6% rotation achieved with SidePlate PLUS Technology (SMF) vs. only 4% required. Tested at UC-San Diego on 10/14/15.

SidePlate PLUS SMF Test U1 Close up

W40x211 beam and W36x282 column. 2 cycles at 7% rotation achieved with SidePlate PLUS Technology (SMF) vs. only 4% required. Tested at UC-San Diego on 12/17/15.

SidePlate PLUS SMF Test U2 Close up

W40x211 beam and W36x282 column. 2 cycles at 6% rotation achieved with SidePlate PLUS Technology (SMF) vs. only 4% required. Tested at UC-San Diego on 1/20/16.

SidePlate PLUS SMF Test U3 Close up

W36x150 beam and W36x231 column. 1 cycle at 7% rotation achieved with SidePlate PLUS Technology (SMF) vs. only 4% required. Tested at UC-San Diego on 11/12/15.

Technical/Research Papers

Evaluation of Steel Panel Zone Stiffness Using Equivalent End Zone (EEZ) Model

This paper presents an extensive numerical study to examine the variation of the adjusting factor depending on the beam to column configuration and the number of moment frame bays. Two compensating methods are proposed to adjust the results obtained when using a centerline procedure.

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An Innovative Method for the Seismic Retrofitting of Existing Steel Moment Frame Structures Using SidePlate and SidePlate PLUS Technology

A new generation of SidePlate connections is proposed which has strong retrofit applications and improves the performance of existing steel structures. Retrofitting existing building moment frames instead of adding concrete shear walls and/or bracing elements minimizes disturbances of existing building usage and improves rigidity.

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Analytical Verification of Blast Testing of Steel Frame Moment Connection Assemblies

This paper provides a synopsis and the results of the General Services Administration (GSA) high level blast and progressive collapse steel frame test program that was carried out in the early 2000s. Both traditional moment frame connections and SidePlate connections were selected for investigation.

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What Makes a Special Moment Frame Special?

In this article for Modern Steel Construction (and later presented at NASCC - The Steel Conference), Behzad Rafezy, SidePlate's Director of R&D, walks us through the critical aspects of special moment frame systems and their connections that ensure ductile behavior and dissipation of energy.

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