Anchor Bolt Access Hole in Gusset plate

[civeng5150]

Why is it that we never see any documents describing how a gusset plate reacts/responds when we have a, let,s say, 4"x4" opening to clear the anchor bolts which are aligned with the vertical brace gusset plate? (A situation I really hate, but, it is what it is...)
I've been checking the net whitmore section for tension and compression, depending on the situation. However, have never found any documents confirming that my reasoning would be correct or not.

 

[ToadJones]

I think because notching the gusset essentially makes any materiel beyond the notch useless.

 

[rb1957]

are you notching the gussets, or creating a hole in the middle of it ?

a hole i think would have little effect on the strength of the gusset, a notch would make it almost ineffective.

 

[PUEngineer]

I don't think I've ever put an anchor rod on a column centerline unless it was an odd condition and one without a gusset plate on that line. I would try to avoid this condition.

 

[civeng5150]

Bless you PUEngineer!

As I mentionned, it is not really a notch, but a 4"x4" opening located in the working line of the brace. Thus the reason I take the opening into accont when I verify the whitmore section capacity in compression (buckling). It has occured a couple of times to have to reinforce around the opening to prevent the buckling of the gusset plate.