Bracing of columns by wall girts
Bracing of columns by wall girts
(OP)
How effective are wall girts as bracing for a building column? The "old" method of using a rolled channel as a girt seems to be more effective than a light gauge girt. Also, I would think that the method of connection would make some differece too. For example, in some metal buildings the wall girts frame into the column web with clips, while in other situations the girts are outset and run by the face of the column - the girts are "continous".
Is there any research on this? I've always considered the column braced if girts were attached to it.
Is there any research on this? I've always considered the column braced if girts were attached to it.






RE: Bracing of columns by wall girts
With regard to details of connection of the girt to the column, I would think that connecting to the point of center mass (the web) would be the most effective bracing against weak axis bending, but probably least economical.
Connection to the flange would impart some twisting in the column. You should use your judgement to estimate whether the twisting is significant (I would think that any twisting would usually be insignificant).
good luck.
RE: Bracing of columns by wall girts
RE: Bracing of columns by wall girts
I would also be aware of the girts being cut by adjacent openings if they are being used to brace the column in any way.