Min Jae Park, Ali Ghamari, Hüseyin Hakan İnce
ABSTRACT Steel moment‐resisting frame (MRF) systems offer high ductility, allowing them to effectively absorb and dissipate seismic energy, enhancing earthquake resistance. Their flexibility in design accommodates architectural versatility and large open spaces, making them suitable for various building types. Since beams in this system carry gravity and seismic loading, replacing them is complicated after a severe earthquake. Therefore, in this paper, an innovative gusset plate connection, which acts as a rigid connection, was proposed and investigated parametrically and numerically. The proposed connection offers easier replacement, reduced welding, improved ductility than convectional MRF systems. Also, since it is expected that plastic hinge are formed through the gusset plate, beams remain elastic so they are designed for less forces than MRF system that was confirmed with numerical results. The performance of a gusset plate is affected by gusset plate geometry (thickness and dimensions). To enhance structural efficiency while optimizing strength, energy dissipation, and rigidity, it is highly advised to keep ratio of gusset plate thickness to web beam thickness greater than . This value supports improved resistance and energy absorption while preventing significant stiffness losses, fostering a durable and effective design. Also, overstrength of 1.8 was recommended for designing the element outside the gusset plate connection so that it provides a ductile fuse. Also, the required equations to design the system were proposed.