Scorpion Yielding Connectors

We have designs for larger connectors and plan to qualify test them in the future. For special projects, custom SYCs can be designed but project-specific testing will likely be required in such cases.

The connection between the brace and gusset plate is required to be bolted because the change in brace angle due to lateral frame deformation is accommodated via rotation in the SYC and rotation at this bolted joint.

No. The bolted connection between the splice plate assembly and yielding fingers is a precision-machined bolted connection that is assembled before the connectors are shipped to the customer. The field connection(s) are between the brace and SYC and, perhaps, the SYC and gusset plate.

Cast Connex supplies assembled yielding connectors which include the cast arms and fingers, the cover plates, and the splice plate assembly. The fabricator supplies the brace member and end plate connection and must weld or bolt the splice plate assembly to the corner gusset plate.

The triangular shape of the yielding fingers promotes the spread of plasticity along their entire length, greatly reducing the peak strain in the fingers. Also, we select a cast grade that is very ductile, with high notch toughness.

Yes, we have brace-to-SYC connection details for both HSS and W-sections, although there are recommended section depths that simplify the connection details.

Typical lead times are generally 14-16 weeks, but other arrangements can be made if this is prohibitive.