Design of frames with PR connections

Abstract With the advent of the limit-states design philosophy for steel structures, the design of frames using PR (Partially Restrained) connections has become a reality. Frames using PR connections respond to loads in a non-linear fashion and, therefore, have to be designed taking non-linear effects into account. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the factors that need to be considered in the analysis of frames using PR connections and to illustrate the design process by designing a frame using PR connections. The design basis used will be LRFD; other limit-state approaches could also be used for design as long as one does, however, use valid limit-state criteria.