TUBE BRACING & ECCENTRICITY

[SmithJ]

Hello,

I am about to use HSS tube (6x6x3/16) as X-bracing in a large arena. The tubes will be split in the middle by a rounded out gusset plate. The coonection to the gusset plate will be on one flange of the tube (not the center). Is it necessary to consider eccentricity in this bolted connection and in the connection of the tube to the columns/beams?

AISC Volume II seems to ignore this eccentricity in all their connection examples and I am not clear if this is considered industry standard.

Thanks in Advance.

JS.

 

[Taro]

You should consider eccentricity. Also consider compactness. If the braces will be subjected to high seismic forces they should be "seismically compact" (see 2002 AISC Seismic Provisions Table I-8-1). Otherwise, local buckling of the tube walls (oil-canning) can lead to premature brittle fracture. If this is a conceren, you may need to bump up the size to HSS 6x6x3/8.