HSS bracing
HSS bracing
(OP)
I have seen so many HSS braced structures that use a shear plate (inserting the slot) to insert in the center of HSS member and use two more extra little plates to cover the open areas. It is a lot of work to do. Why don't they use an end plate and stem?
I have been puzzled for a while about this.
I need to design a bracing using HSS5X5X0.25 and HSS5.5X5.5X0.25.
Any suggestions?
I have been puzzled for a while about this.
I need to design a bracing using HSS5X5X0.25 and HSS5.5X5.5X0.25.
Any suggestions?






RE: HSS bracing
RE: HSS bracing
RE: HSS bracing
Mjkkb2, what do you mean the adjustability? The stem plate can do the same, right?
RE: HSS bracing
RE: HSS bracing
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The name is a long story -- just call me Lo.
RE: HSS bracing
OP - I am not sure what you mean by stem plate?
RE: HSS bracing
RE: HSS bracing
EDIT: To answer you question - assuming you're talking about all shop welded plates and site-bolted connections - if you slot in a plate, the extra little plates on the sides are just to seal the ends...probably 3/16" plate with seal welds, fairly quick and easy (and some cases maybe not even required). With the end plate + shear tab, now you have a structural weld between the end plate and HSS and again between the tab and the end plate, and the end plate will have to be thicker as well.
Regarding the analysis of the end plate + tab plate option - this is covered in AISC Design Guide 24.
RE: HSS bracing
With an end plate + stem plate there is stress concentratration where the stem meets the tube walls. The plate isn't generally thick enough to transfer the stem loads into the tube. This concentrates the load over a short section of weld, allowing weld unzipping to occur.
If you have a very thick end plate the loads can disperse into the tube, but mostly people don't have very think end plates.