The SidePlate moment connection meets the prequalification requirements for special and intermediate moment frames in both traditional in-plane frame applications (one or two beams framing into a column) as well as orthogonal intersecting moment-resisting frames (corner conditions with two beams orthogonal to one another, as well as three or four orthogonal beams framing into the same column).
The SidePlate moment connection has been used in moment-resisting frames with skewed and/or sloped beams with or without skewed side plates {A}, although such usage is outside of the scope of this standard.
The unique geometry of the SidePlate moment connection allows its use in other design applications where in-plane diagonal braces or diagonal dampers are attached to the side plates {A} at the same beam-to-column joint as the moment-resisting frame, while maintaining the intended SMF or IMF level of performance. When such dual systems are used, supplemental calculations must be provided to ensure that the connection elements (plates and welds) have not only been designed for the intended SMF or IMF connection in accordance with the prequalification limits set herein, but also for the additional axial, shear, and moment demands due to the diagonal brace or damper.