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Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

(OP)
I have a 14' span over a storefront door.

The structural header is CFS.

The brick angle, which is L7x4x3/8, works for strength, but the deflection is L/366.

Would a Gusset PL 5/16 x 3 x 6 at 24" oc (or sim) improve the deflection result to attempt to satisfy the L/600?

Thank you all!

RE: Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

Where is most of the deflection coming from? Is it total member vertical deflection or rotation of the outstanding leg? If you're getting some rotation on the angle leg, it would help there, but I'm not sure you would gain anything if it's from vertical deflection.

RE: Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

(OP)
mike - The deflection is coming from total member vertical.

I thought about stitch welding a continuous PL 3/8 x 2 (or more) to top of vertical leg to make an L9 or L10.

Any other suggestions?

I wonder why an L8x4 doesn't come thinner than 7/16 for such a situation.

Thank you!

RE: Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

As Mike indicated, gussets aren't likely to help you with this. If you want an L8x4xthin, you can just go with bent plate.

This is new construction rather than existing, right? And the angle is not welded to the CFS header?

I've seen engineers make a stiff long span brick lintel by welding a bottom bearing plate onto a small channel. That requires sufficient cavity space of course. And an architect willing to sacrifice it.

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: Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

Can you weld a small angle (L2x2, L3x2, etc.) to the backside of the L7x4 such that you created a T-like shape? I have also welded a small channel to the backside to get additional stiffness.

RE: Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

(OP)
KootK, the bottom course of veneer is a special 12" soldier course, bumped out 1/2" from the brick above, which produces a 1-7/8" gap. With a bottom plate, an MC12x10.6 with 1-1/2" flange will fit in there and bring my deflection to L/996.

FYI, I TEK screw all my veneer angles, at 12" oc, to CFS headers for added stability. Welding to CFS header is also a consideration for the future.

Thank you all for your ideas!

RE: Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

Your CFS header may be the dominant beam element then if the header and lintel are connected. I use the channel business as a last resort. It can mess with flashing and insulation details in some instances.

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: Would Gusset Improve Deflection?

Use a piece of tube steel with a lintel plate in lieu of the CF header. You can still support it on CF studs.

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