One of the partners in my company (mechanical engineer) heard offhand that cross bracing can be replaced entirely with fixed moment connections and asked me to investigate.
My question is not so much in regard to the limitations and potential pitfalls of using FMC's, instead, I'm looking for a good 'back of the envelop' number for the increase in costs of using fixed moment frames over conventional braced construction. Just looking for order of magnitude, i.e. is it 10-15%, or 100% more expensive? This number would include increased design and coordination time, heavier columns/beams, connection plates, additional erection time, increased bolts and field welding, detailing for increased lateral deflection, etc.
A little background, my company primarily designs industrial buildings with heights of typically 16-24 feet, conventional braced steel post and beam framing, 30-40 foot bays, open web joists and metal deck detailed as for diaphragm action, insulated metal panel exterior walls.
Thanks for any guidance you can provide!
My question is not so much in regard to the limitations and potential pitfalls of using FMC's, instead, I'm looking for a good 'back of the envelop' number for the increase in costs of using fixed moment frames over conventional braced construction. Just looking for order of magnitude, i.e. is it 10-15%, or 100% more expensive? This number would include increased design and coordination time, heavier columns/beams, connection plates, additional erection time, increased bolts and field welding, detailing for increased lateral deflection, etc.
A little background, my company primarily designs industrial buildings with heights of typically 16-24 feet, conventional braced steel post and beam framing, 30-40 foot bays, open web joists and metal deck detailed as for diaphragm action, insulated metal panel exterior walls.
Thanks for any guidance you can provide!
