Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
(OP)
The attached sketch shows an existing diagonal wood member, 2x8, that extends from the top of an existing masonry pier to an existing floor joist above. There are a number of such braces to carry the wind load from the first floor down to the piers. The wind load acts on the exterior wall above the first floor.
My question is what should be used for the unsupported length for the design of the diagonal brace?
Should it be the 77" length (see attached sketch) which is the distance between the intersections of the centrelines of the members, or should it be the 67" which is the clear distance? Or should it be something between these values to allow for the fact that the nails fastening the members will not be right at the edge?
My question is what should be used for the unsupported length for the design of the diagonal brace?
Should it be the 77" length (see attached sketch) which is the distance between the intersections of the centrelines of the members, or should it be the 67" which is the clear distance? Or should it be something between these values to allow for the fact that the nails fastening the members will not be right at the edge?






RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
Kootk - I am curious as to why you cannot view the sketch. Did you click on the line at the bottom that has a paper clip image and starts http? It took me a while to make that sketch.
RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
Forgive me, but I have to chuckle at the "precision" of your sketch... distances to three decimal places (67.211" to 77.191"). On a slide rule that would be 67.2" to 77.2" and even that would be way too precise an answer.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
BA
RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
BA
RE: Unbraced length for Wood Compression Brace
To BARetired: ok, you always seem to have wise advice, so I will use c/c but then of course the slenderness ratio > 50 and the capacity is therefore zero. I am likely to get some push-back from the contractor's engineer whom he hired after I pointed out a number of things built wrong.