SpeedFrame

Seismic and Wind Performance and Design of Concrete-Filled Composite Moment-Resisting Frames (SpeedFrame)

This research project aims to develop “concrete-filled composite moment-resisting frames” (hereafter, referred to as a “SpeedFrame structural system”), which are meant to improve structural stiffness and lateral performance. The SpeedFrame structural system provides higher lateral stiffness as compared with traditional steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs). The SpeedFrame will be utilized for designing open space structures without interruptions (e.g., where the lateral force-resisting system cannot be braced frames or shear walls).

The SpeedFrame structural system will be an optimum solution for structures with large spans (e.g., 30~50 ft) and taller story heights (e.g., 18~25 ft). Typical applications of the SpeedFrame include but not limited to hospitals, medical centers, airport terminals, industrial plants, data centers, and large buildings with exhibition halls. The SpeedFrame provides high lateral stiffness to accommodate long clear spans, taller story heights, large openings, and architectural needs. In addition, the SpeedFrame structural system accelerates the associated erection time by maximizing much of the steel fabrication work in the shop, minimizing labor-intensive activities on the site (e.g., bolted connections), and facilitating concrete placement (no formwork and falsework).

This SpeedFrame research proposal includes four phases:

(i) Phase 1 (Proof of Concept): Conducting analytical studies and designing several SpeedFrame archetype structures. (The current proposal is focused on Phase 1)

(ii) Phase 2 (Beam-to-Column Connections): Developing and detailing practical concrete-filled composite beam-to-column moment-resisting connections for the SpeedFrame system and conducting experimental and numerical studies to evaluate the connection performance.

(iii) Phase 3 (Column-to-Foundation Connections): Developing and detailing practical concrete-filled composite column-to-foundation connections for the SpeedFrame system and conducting experimental and numerical studies to evaluate the connection performance.

(iv) Phase 4 (Design Guidelines and FEMA P695 Study): Developing wind and seismic design guidelines for the SpeedFrame system and conducting a FEMA P695 study to propose seismic design factors.

• Grant Details

  Project

  Seismic and Wind Performance and Design of Concrete-Filled Composite Moment-Resisting Frames (SpeedFrame)

  Category

  Steel

  Subcategory

  SpeedCore

  Grant #

  26-2

  Award Amount

  $150,000

  Grant Period

  1 May 2026 through 31 January 2027

  Grant Status

  Active

  Principal Investigators

  Dr. Soheil Shafaei, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University

  Industry Champions

  Josh Mouras, Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA)

  CPF Allies

  American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)(Devin Huber, PE, Ph.D. and Christopher Raebel, PE, SE, Ph.D.), Magnusson Klemencic Associates (Ronald Klemencic)

  Supporters

  J. F. Stearns, Berlin Steel, Severud, Kurth Engineering, Schuff Steel, Degenkolb, Herrick Steel, Clark Construction, MKA

• Resources / Downloads

  In Development

• Related Research

  • 06-16 Seismic and Wind Behavior and Design of Coupled CF-CPSW Core Walls for Steel Buildings
  • 02-21 Bolted splice details for Composite Plate Shear Walls—Concrete Filled (SpeedCore)