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AISC 358 Prequalified Moment Connection Checks - blog post
This blog post explores the background and the importance of AISC 358 prequalified moment connections, and how IDEA StatiCa integrates into the design process of prequalified connections.
AISC Capacity design  - Theoretical background
Learn how capacity design analysis works within the IDEA StatiCa Connection application for seismic connections.Â
Read the full theoretical support article →
Seismic analysis in IDEA StatiCa Connection
Prequalified connection detailing checks - article
IDEA StatiCa provides a check of prequalified connections for seismic applications according to AISC 358.
The results of the checks are listed in a new table in the report with all the necessary information to show that the requirements of prequalified connections according to AISC 358 have been fulfilled.
The article lists all the available detailing checks in the app
AISC Reduced beam section connection analysis - Tutorial
By following this step-by-step example, you will learn how to design and perform a seismic code-check of a structural steel joint using capacity design analysis  based on CBFEM in IDEA StatiCa Connection.
Watch
Webinar: Practical guide for seismic steel connection design
IDEA StatiCa Connection uses advanced analysis for seismic connection design, watch this webinar to learn how to model and design joints for seismic applications. The session covers a summary of the AISC 341 requirements and a live demonstration of a prequalified connection: Reduce beam section connection.
Watch and download the presentation here
Webinar: Special Concentric Braced Frame Connections
The design of Special Concentrically Braced Frame connections has detailed requirements from the AISC Seismic Provisions (AISC 341), especially for detailing the brace connection to the gusset, where AISC 341 recommends different ways to accommodate the brace buckling as part of the energy-dissipating mechanism.Â
During the recording, we reviewed the process of modeling these connections using one example from the AISC Seismic Design Manual.Â
Watch and download the presentation
Webinar: IDEA StatiCa verification for prequalified moment connections by The Ohio State University
During the one-hour session, Ali Nassiri, Assistant Professor-Research, from The Ohio State University, discusses his studies of prequalified seismic steel moment connections, where he compared results between IDEA StatiCa, Abaqus, traditional calculations, and experimental studies.
Video: Prequalified connections live demo
Watch a video where the prequalified connections were presented for the first time with a live demo
Validate
Prequalified Steel Connections (AISC): A verification study by The Ohio State University
IDEA StatiCa perfectly aligns with the AISC codes for prequalified connections. By comparing IDEA StatiCa's moment capacities with established AISC procedures, the extensive study of The Ohio State University validated the software's accuracy in predicting seismic steel connection behavior.Â
The results obtained for five different moment connections were compared and evaluated with the experiments, AISC design calculations, IDEA StatiCa, and ABAQUS.Â
Take a look at all the studies→
New Verification Studies: Seismic Braced Frame Connections with University of Illinois Chicago
We're excited to share the release of four new verification studies, developed in partnership with Mustafa Mahamid, PhD, SE, PE, F.SEI, F.ASCE, F.ACI, and Satyam Bhosale at the University of Illinois Chicago, evaluating IDEA StatiCa's Component-Based Finite Element Method (CBFEM) against AISC 360-16 and AISC 341-16 for seismic bracing connections:
Across the studies, CBFEM results tracked closely with hand calculations, generally within a 2–6% margin, while running slightly conservative due to how IDEA StatiCa accounts for local stress concentrations, 3D load transfer, and weld eccentricities that simplified equations often don't capture. For engineers designing braced frames in moderate-to-high seismic zones, these studies offer a validated look at how CBFEM performs against traditional capacity design methods.
Other References
Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 341)
Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications (AISC 358)
AISC Seismic Design Manual (4th edition)
