Cap channel on wide flange

[FSS]

I am checking the capacity of a wide flange beam with a cap channel on top. When considering lateral loading on the combined section, I have seen others in the past ignore the wide flange and size the channel to handle lateral forces, while assuming that the wide flange provides adequate lateral resistance to keep the channel from having an unbraced length problem. Does anyone know of a source or reference where this situation is described in better detail? This particular application is a 30' long beam at the top of a rooftop screen wall supporting signs and panel antennas, but I guess the same question would apply for crane rails.

 

[JAE]

There is a procedure outlined by AISC in their "Steel Design Guide Series No. 7; Industrial Buildings", page 51. They give a step by step procedure and design examples. I believe you can order this from AISC at their website:

http://www.aisc.org.

 

[FSS]

Jae, thanks for refreshing my foggy memory. I remember looking at this design guide when it first came out, and you are right on the money. It has design procedure spelled out in detail and is easy to follow.