Resisting Lateral Forces: Connections for Moment Frames and Braced Frames (PDH)

Presented by: Brad Davis SE, PE, PhD and Matthew Eatherton, SE, PE, PhD 

This course consists of four, 1.5 hour sessions and is intended as an introduction to connections used in moment frames and braced frames.

Session 1 - Moment Connections, Part I: covers wind and low seismic moment connection design. Various moment connections are discussed, including directly welded flange, welded flange-plated, and bolted flange-plated moment connections. Column side limit states will be discussed followed by the presentation of a design example.

Session 2 - Moment Connections, Part II: will provide an introduction to moment connections with prying forces, including tee-stub and end-plate moment connections, with a focus on gravity / wind design. This session will review concepts, design procedures, and design examples consistent with AISC Design Guide 39.

Session 3 - Bracing Connections: presents information on light and heavy bracing connections and discussed the differences and similarities between the two. Typical details for light and heavy connections will be presented. Member, bolt and weld limit states will be reviewed. The presentation then introduces the Uniform Force Method for designing bracing connections.

Session 4 - Introduction to Seismic Connections: gives an overview of seismic connections for engineers that don’t typically perform seismic design. The concepts of ductile mechanisms and capacity design will be introduced. The characteristics of special and intermediate moment frame connections will be explained, and the current prequalified moment connection types will be discussed. The session will also cover the design of special concentrically braced frame connections. Brief design examples highlighting key calculations for both moment and bracing connections will be presented to demonstrate the concepts.

This course is based on a AISC live webinar series (3/18/2026, 3/25/26, 4/1/26, 4/8/2026).

You must view the video and pass the quiz to receive a PDH certificate for this course.

If you do not need continuing education credit, you can view the content here for free.