Framing a beam carrying parking structure loads into a lateral brace

[jseng9]

I'm an engineer in training and designed a three story steel parking structure with normal weight concrete on metal deck. We are in seismic design category B and have a steel beam carrying parking structure loads that clashes with a diagonal brace. Instead of kinking the beam so it does not conflict with the brace, the fabricator would like to frame the W12x19 beam into the W12X40 lateral brace. Has anyone seen this done before? Is this an acceptable solution? Are there any limitations in IBC or ASCE 7 that prohibit this? I haven't found anything saying that it's not okay but just wanted to get a second opinion. Thanks!

 

[WARose]

If the seismic resisting system is not specifically detailed for seismic resistance (as Chapter 12 of ASCE 7 puts it), I wouldn't be too worried. But if this is a detailed bracing system (i.e. "special"), I wouldn't do it. Depending on the load, you could change the intended (inelastic) behavior of the brace under worse case seismic load. I.e. altering the buckled shape, inducing a hinge where it is not intended, and so on.

 

[KootK]

Could you post a sketch showing how this situation comes about? I also would not be too concerned in a conventionally detailed system. A w12x19 can't be delivering too much load.