Location of Braces on SCBF

[jgoldbronn]

Is it allowable to place the diagonal brace of a Special Concentrically Braced Frame (SCBF) in the weak axis of a wide flange column? I have a column which is in the corner of the structure and I want to be a brace in both directions. Can I do this or do I need to move the brace in the weak direction of the column to another location?

 

[MrStohler]

Yes, what you propose is acceptable.
But be aware that SCBF connection needs to have a strength sufficient to resist the expected ful yield force (Ry*Fy*Ag) in the brace for tension and the expected buckling load (Fcrit*Ag) in compression. This can result in rather substantial connections compared to the brace member. It is advisable to consider using a "system not specifically designed for seismic resisitance" (R=3) if permited by the code, even AISC advises this to avoid the Seismic Provisions (selecting SCBF automatically requires the Seismic Provisions details reguardless of Seismic Design Catagory.