DIaphragm attachment for Gas Station Canopy? C-Clamps???

[structuralengr89]

I'm designing a gas station canopy for an architect in a high wind region and need some help on attaching the diaphragm. It appears from other plans I've looked at, that the diaphragm is typically on the bottom of the structural steel and attached with C-Clamps? Does anyone know where I can get capacites for these...or another idea for attachment??? I'm guessing I can't use welds or TEKS due to appearance issues?

Thank you!

 

[OSUCivlEng]

C-Clamps??? I knew these things were as bad as PEMBs, but wow, C-Clamps.

I'm sorry I can't help you. I have designed fuel canopies, but I used HSS.

 

[jayrod12]

Same here. Always used cross bracing not a diaphragm. I never trust that the new tenant is going to replace the diaphragm if they remove it during renovations.

 

[msquared48]

Same experience as jayrod

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[manstrom]

maybe some bubblegum and superglue?

 

[structuralengr89]

thanks for the info!...I'll x-brace it!

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

I have broken stocky automotive C-clamps working on cars. They break in brittle fracture with no warning at very low loads.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.