Design and Detailing Recommendations of Slotted-Hidden-Gap Connection for Square HSS Brace Members

The slotted-hidden-gap (SHG) connection eliminates the need to reinforce slot region of hollow structural sections (HSS) braces concentrically braced frames (CBFs). However, existing design approach for SHG connections is rather empirical and limited by range geometries materials that had previously been tested. A general based on findings a large-scale parametric study presented in this paper, where most critical parameters were varied. Different weld configurations investigated examine effect shear lag overall performance brace. inelastic SHG-connected designed using proposed was validated means numerically simulating resulting subjecting them reversed-cyclic loading protocol. simulated able attain their yield tensile resistance fracture away from while sustaining an axial deformation corresponding average story drift 5.43%. detailing method was, as such, found be effective square HSS ranging size steel grade.