cutting an x-brace

[CecileRod]

I'm working on some roof openings for an old factory. A X-brace located in the roof (horizontal bracing) interferes with one of the openings. Is is possible to cut part of this member and attach the remaining length of it to one of the shapes that will be part of the framing for the opening? What criteria should be followed in order to safely affirm that we can cut this member? If the member cannot be cut, what other option would you recommend? Note: the opening cannot be placed or moved.

 

[Lomarandil]

I haven't heard of any quick rule of thumb that would allow you to make this decision on the fly. You're looking at a structural analysis of the proposed condition to see if it still works.

On rare occasions, the brace was installed for erection purposes but isn't needed in the final load path of the building. Sometimes you can determine this visually by tracing the load path -- but I'd advise a lot of caution on that.

 

[mike20793]

What is the roof structure? Sounds like this is some diaphragm bracing. I'd say you can cut it if you can provide an alternative load path, but that may be dubious in an existing building.

 

[KootK]

What kind of member is it? Rod? Cable? Angle(s)? Can lengths of the bracing remain on both sides of the opening?

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.

 

[FoxSE14]

Get your local Structural Engineer pal to come out to the field and take a look for 15-30 minutes. That's your shortest path to an amenable solution for you and the integrity of the structure.

 

[jike]

Perhaps, the bracing can be reconfigured in such a way to accommodate the new opening. A structural engineer would need to engaged to determine the feasibility of this with analysis.