Abstract In this paper the predictive equations for collapse assessment of shear links used in eccentric braced frames are developed. An extensive database including results of over 70 cyclic tests on steel wide flange shear links is collected and the structural parameters governing the hysteresis behavior are calibrated using a simplified numerical model. The methodology of calibration is to minimize the discrepancy between the experimental hysteresis loops and the corresponding numerical results using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The objective function of PSO algorithm is minimized by iterating parameters that govern the hysteresis behavior of the numerical model. Stepwise multivariable regression is used to present equations for modelling shear link behavior parameters. The coefficient of determination for the derived empirical equations shows that the proposed equations can accurately capture the pre-capping, post-capping and cyclic deterioration behavior of the links for collapse assessments.