Prototype Cyclic Testing of the SidePlate Moment Connection System

The SidePlate moment connection system, developed by MNH-SMRF Systems, Inc., looks different because it is different. SidePlateTM's unique trademark geometry provides physical separation between the face of column and end of beam by means of parallel full-depth side plates. This innovative feature ensures the elimination of all brittle behavioral uncertainties responsible for the unprecedented financial losses that resulted from unexpected widespread premature fracture of moment connection welds and base metal discovered after the Northridge earthquake. These well documented uncertainties include 1) through-thickness loading of the column flange/heat affected zone, 2) triaxial/peaked stress concentrations at the welded beamto-column juncture, and 3) the reality of construction/U.T. inspection shortcomings, which collectively are intrinsic to all other post-Northridge moment connections that employ the use of a T-joint complete-penetration groove weld to connect beam flange directly to column flange. The use of SidePlateTM's full-depth side plates also ensures that rotational performance completely avoids dependence on column web weak panel zone participation, thus escaping vulnerability to k-line fracture syndrome which all other moment connections are subject to.