A moment frame, or rigid frame, is a structural system that uses rigid connections between beams and columns to resist lateral loads (like wind or earthquakes). These connections are designed to transfer bending moments, hence the name “moment frame”. They are commonly made of steel and offer flexibility in design, allowing for large openings and open floor plans.

In structural engineering, a rigid frame is the load-resisting skeleton constructed with straight or curved members interconnected by predominantly rigid connections, which resist movements induced at members’ joints. Its members can resist bending moment, shear, and axial loads.