Bracing Connections

[WiSEiwish]

Hello,

Can diagonal bracing be attached eccentrically to a column? For example, could a gusset plate be fastened to the flange of a column flat side to flat side? I would imagine that if this were allowed then the column would have to be checked for a localized torsion at the location of the gusset and stiffening of the column at that location may be required.

 

[asixth]

I do it from time to time when girts get in the way. I would provide stiffeners at the connection point and you would also want a member up there to help with rectifying any twist that wants to go into the column from the eccentricity. Possibly a channel.

 

[hokie66]

It depends on the force in the brace. Sometimes, the column flange itself can handle the force without assistance. Sometimes, it can't.