Bracing Gusset Plate Buckling

[heislert]

I have a horizontal bracing member under compression load and it is to be connected using a "L-shaped" gusset plate to two beams connected to the column. I am concerned about the plate buckling or folding under the compression load. I think I should be stabilizing the plate vertically so that is cannot buckle. Any one have any experience or reference material on this?

Thanks and Regards!

 

[JAE]

Is the brace part of the structure's lateral load resisting system and does it resist seismic loads? If so, you really want the brace to be able to flex if the brace buckles under compression.

 

[Yameen]

It is highly recommended that you design against buckling for the vertical bit of the gusset plate. Bolting is one of the options which could stablize it again buckling.
I also recommend that you look into the modes of failure in a gusset plate. Hope this might help.

 

[SHBH]

for seismic case check the requirement listed on page 179-180 of "2005 Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings incl. Supp. No. 1"
posted on link:

http://www.aisc.org/Content/Content...uctural_Steel_Buildings_incl__Supp__No__1.htm

 

[JAE]

Yes - SHBH has it right - look at the figure on page 180. You should definitely not provide stiffners or other elements that would violate the requirement to allow the gusset to flex out of the plane of the brace.

 

[heislert]

Thanks everyone, there is no seismic load but I am going to use a thicker gusset plate to minimize the buckling possibility.