Simpson Strong-Tie has added yet another design innovation to a growing suite of products and solutions for structural steel construction. Introducing the Yield-Link® brace connection (YLBC). 

The YLBC connects brace frames in structural steel buildings. With pre-designed, bolted connections, it simplifies design work and is easy to incorporate into new builds or retrofits. In fact, the YLBC is ready to detail as soon as the building frame is sized. 

Along with the Yield-Link® moment connection and Edge-Tie™ system for cladding connections, the Yield-Link brace connection gives fabricators, erectors, engineers, building owners and contractors a proven, efficient and more economical solution for structural steel. 

Bolted connections eliminate field welding 

As a longtime partner to the construction industry, Simpson understands that building owners have a vested interest in completing projects quickly and optimizing building occupancy. At the same time, the demand for new construction continues to outpace the availability of skilled-trade workers, such as welders. With these factors in mind, the engineers at Simpson Strong-Tie designed the YLBC to be installed with bolts instead of field welding. In addition to simplifying design and detailing, bolted connections save time and effort during installation while reducing testing, inspection costs and overall project schedules. 

Engineered for high seismic and wind areas 

Every structure needs sufficient strength to allow occupants to shelter in place during a natural disaster or similar event. However, buildings located in high seismic or wind areas also need to accommodate fast repair methods, so that they can be returned to service quickly. The YLBC helps to fulfill both of these design objectives. 

During a powerful earthquake or extreme high-wind event, such as a hurricane or tornado, the YLBC functions as a replaceable, yielding element that isolates damage while keeping the structural steel brace intact. In addition to protecting braces, which are costly and time-consuming to repair, the YLBC is simple and cost-effective to replace, if needed. 

Expert service, software and support 

The YLBC is readily available through our nationwide distribution network and backed by industry-leading technical and field support. We also provide a wide selection of Building Technology software solutions that help streamline design and detailing. With Simpson Strong-Tie as a partner in structural steel, builders have the innovative products, technology and service to maximize efficiency and resiliency at every stage of the engineering and construction process. 

To learn more about the Yield-Link brace connection and our other solutions for structural steel, visit go.strongtie.com/structuralsteel or call (800) 999-5099.