Design considerations for shear links in eccentrically braced frames

The performance of an eccentrically braced frame depends to a great extent on the behavior of short beam segments called active links which, through bending and shear, transfer the axial forces in the diagonal braces to other braces or to columns. The sensitivity of link behavior to the imposed loading history, the link column connection detail, and the web stiffener design and details are discussed. The results of twelve full size shear link specimens are presented. Each of the specimens was designed to investigate specific shear link response characteristics. Four specimens were tested with stiffener details which differed significantly from those of previous experiments and early design applications. Another set of four specimens was designed and tested with widely varying loading histories. A set of four specimens which employed conventional moment resisting connection details was also tested. Test conclusions and design recommendations generated by the test results are presented. A practical method for web stiffener design is developed.