Beam Lateral Bracing Tests

[dcw815]

Does anyone know if any load tests have been conducted on a simply supported beam with beams framing perpendicularly into it? I want to see what, if any, lateral support they provide to the primary beam. I know typical convention is to simply add horizontal bracing to the top flange. AISC says that a simple shear connection can provide restraint however. Thanks for any responses.

http://www.aisc.org/DynamicTaxonomyFAQs.aspx?id=1646

 

[BAretired]

A simple shear connection would add torsional restraint. It should be able to safely sustain a torsional moment of F[sub]f[/sub]*e where F[sub]f[/sub] is 2% of the factored flange force and e is the eccentricity between the flange and the centroid of the connection.

Deflection of the flange should be in accordance with the code which means that stiffness is a consideration too.

BA

 

[WARose]

The commentary on Appendix 6 9in the 13th edition of AISC's manual references a number of papers on this (by people like Yura and Galambos)....it’s been pretty thoroughly researched. In order to provide lateral restraint, members framing in must tie back to some horizontal bracing system (that typically also serves the purpose of transferring lateral forces on that level). You can also restrain the section by a torsiosnal restraint.....a simple shear connection can serve that purpose but be careful how much rotational stiffness you assume it is providing because such a connection is only providing about 10% of what a full moment connection would.

 

[TLHS]

Yeah, find a copy of the second paper mentioned as a reference in the link you posted. Fundamentals of Beam Bracing by Yura. It's a great paper, practical and addresses most situations.