Uniform Force Method
Uniform Force Method
(OP)
I have a question regarding the Uniform Force Method and how it applies. I have the typical gusset plate-Column-Beam connection as shown in Figure 13-2 of the AISC 13th edition manual, but I have a structural metal deck diaphragm attached to the top of the beam. Does the Uniform Force Method really apply since I am dragging all of the horizontal load into my diaphram through my beam and only the vertical load thru the column? Can the horizontal and vertical components be found simply by using the load from the diagonal brace multiplied by the sin/cos of the angle? If the UFM does still apply and I want to move the working point to the Column-Beam interface, do I just apply an additional moment to the column and beam or does the additional moment need to be resisted by the connection as well?






RE: Uniform Force Method
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RE: Uniform Force Method
Larry Muir's paper "Design of Compact Gusset Plates with the Uniform Force Method" shows several different options to the UFM and provides the free body diagrams for those. It's a good paper and one you should read prior to designing many gussets.
RE: Uniform Force Method