Query about girder bracing

[pj444]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can give me some guidance on which style of bracing would be optimal for I-Beam girders and why.

U-frame Bracing
Cross bracing
Plan Bracing

Thanks

 

[hokie66]

No, not without a specific question.

 

[pj444]

Sorry, out of these three, I know its a basic question just wanted some different opinions;

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/screenshot20130105at231.png/

 

[hokie66]

Of those three, the truss in the plane of the top flange is the only one that works for just two members under gravity loading. If there are other structural elements involved, e.g. a structural diaphragm, the others could be applicable for load sharing.

 

[fegenbush]

Economy is usually the driving factor in differences in detail items. It would depend on labor rates, material costs, shop v. field preference, corrosion allowance, paint accessibility, and design history. My preference is to minimize the time necessary to detail the pieces, since that correlates with shop labor hours.