PI proposes creating structural configurations that eliminate the field weld from the critical sections, thus allowing other more ductile areas to serve as capacity limits for the structure. This design approach is difficult to accomplish using the typical rolled configurations and connecting procedures of today. Therefore, the research hinges on the development and implementation of a specially configured modular node. A cast steel configuration specifically designed to mitigate the weld stresses is envisioned. A by-product of the modular node implementation is ease of erection, fine tuning capabilities at the panel zone, and the facilitation of passive structural control. The objective of the proposed research is to provide improved panel zone response and more reliable ductility within joints of moment resistant frames.
