Portal Column Restraints

If I understand your scenario correctly, I would not rely on the block wall for lateral restraint of the compression flange of the steel beam unless the wall is perpendicular to the beam.

That being said, the wall is parobably parallel to the beam, so, could you add some diagonal angle bracing from the bottom flange of gthe steel beam to the underside of the floor/roof diaphragm system to brace the bottom chord?

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

Thanks very much,as you stated first the column is in the external wall of a small warehouse and connected to a roof rafter with haunch(the wall is perpendicular to the column and beam running between columns) but as the blockwork do not fully fill the web I am looking for advise or comments?

Thanks

The top of the block wall needs to be braced, and that member can be used to brace the portal frame at the knee.

I don't think there will be a problem with the wall itself. I am thinking of anchor bolting angle beackets to the block wall either side of the column at the bottom of the haunch. This should provide the restrains required.