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SECTION: TITLE

BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

TCE.M2-CV-ST-D-002

SHEET
OF 4

OF
i ii

BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

VALID UPTO: 2000/06/09

FILE NAME

: 269906837.doc.DOC

M2-CV-ST-D-002(R0)-12.dwg
M2-CV-ST-D-002(R0)-13.dwg

REV.NO.

R0

ISSUE

INITIALS

SIGN.

PPD.BY

CHD.BY

ADK

Sd/-

APD.BY

SSK

Sd/-

DATE

INITIALS

SIGN.

INITIALS

SIGN.

INITIALS

SIGN.

R0

1990-01-02
TCE FORM NO. 020R2

TATA CONSULTING ENGINEERS

TCE.M2-CV-ST-D-002

BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

SECTION: REV.STAT.

SHEET ii OF ii
OF 4

REVISION STATUS SHEET

REV NO

DESCRIPTION

DATE

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

TATA CONSULTING ENGINEERS

TCE.M2-CV-ST-D-002

1.0

BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 1 OF 11
OF 4

SCOPE
This covers the design of bracing connections and the standard bracing
connection details applicable to General Building Structures.

2.0

DESCRIPTION
Bracings stiffen the building against lateral and longitudinal crane and
wind/seismic forces and provide a path to carry these loads to the foundation.
Bracings are generally of shop welded and field bolted construction. Field
welding is to be avoided as far as possible as it does not lend itself to proper
surveillance under field conditions. Bracing members shall where practicable
be disposed symetrically about the resultant line of force and the connections
where practicable, be arranged so that their centroid lies on the resultant of
forces they are intended to resist.

3.0

4.0

APPLICABLE CODES
IS:800

Code of Practice for General Construction in Steel

IS:816

Code of Practice for use of Metal Arc Welding for general

construction in mild steel

IS:875

Code of Practice for Structural Safety of Buildings : Loading

Standards

IS:1893

Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures

IS:1367

Specification for Technical Supply Conditions for threaded

steel fasteners

NOTATIONS
d

diameter

eccentricity

fb

Actual bearing stress

Pb

Permissible bearing stress

fc

Actual axial stress

Pc

Permissible axial stress

f1q

Actual average shear stress

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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5.0

BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

p1q

Permissible average shear stress

ft

Actual tensile stress

Pt

Permissible tensile stress

Moment

Leg size of fillet weld

thickness of plate

Section modulus

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SHEET 2 OF 11
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DATA
Data required for proceeding with the design of bracing connections are:

6.0

(a)

Design drawings indicating all the particulars such as pattern, slope,

size, design forces for bracing members and their interconnecting
members such as columns, struts, etc.

(b)

Location and thickness of walls and floor slabs, etc. Care should be
taken to keep connections clear of the above as far as possible.

(c)

Head-room clearance, pipe and duct locations along with their

movements, if any, to keep the connections and members clear of the
same.

(d)

Access space for equipment maintenance.

METHOD OF DESIGN
Working stress design is adopted for General Building Structures.

7.0

DESIGN LOADS
Connections are to be designed for following load combinations:
(a)

Dead Load + Live Load

(b)

Dead Load + Live Load + Wind/Seismic Load

(c)

Dead Load + Live Load + Erection Load

Live load may be caused due to pipe and duct loads, temperature loads, live
load on floor, crane surge and braking forces, etc.
8.0

STANDARD BRACING CONNECTION DETAILS

8.1

Bracings for roofs with trusses :

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

(a)

Top chord/ Rafter bracing (Refer Figs. 1 and 2)

(b)

Bottom chord/ Tie bracing (Refer Fig. 3)

(c)

Sway bracing (Refer Figs. 2 and 3)

8.2

Floor Bracing (Refer Fig. 5)

8.3

Column Bracing

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 3 OF 11
OF 4

Knee Bracing:

8.4

i)

With single angle connections (Refer Fig. 6)

ii)

With double angle connections (Refer Fig. 7)

Vertical Bracing

8.4.1 Strut to column web

(a)

Beam size upto 400 mm depth (Refer Fig. 8)

(b)

Beam size more than 400 mm depth (Refer Fig. 9)

8.4.2 Strut to column flange with columns upto 400 mm depth

(a)

Beams upto 400 mm depth (Refer Fig.10)

(b)

Beams more than 400 mm depth (Refer Fig. 11)

8.4.3 Strut to column flange with column over 400 mm depth

(a)

Beams upto 400 mm depth (Refer Fig. 12)

(b)

Beams more than 400 mm depth (Refer Fig. 13)

8.4.4 Angle strut to column flange

(a)

Columns upto 400 mm depth (Refer Fig. 14)

(b)

Columns more than 400 mm depth (Refer Fig. 15)

8.4.5 Strut connection at mid-span (Refer Fig. 16)

8.4.6 End connection for Star angle bracing (Refer Fig. 17)
8.4.7 Cross bracing connection (Refer Fig. 18 and 19)
8.5

Draw-In Bracing

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BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 4 OF 11
OF 4

Long single angle cross bracing members are relatively flexible and tend to
vibrate and deflect out of plane rather easily. Horizontal bracing members may
also sag, resulting in an objectionable appearance. In order to reduce these
tendencies such angles are generally fabricated to a slightly shorter length. The
calculated or theoretical centre to centre distance between end working points
is reduced for fabricating purposes according to the following schedule:

For length upto 3 metres - No deduction

For lengths over 3 m and upto 6 m - 1.5 mm deduction

For lengths over 6 m and upto 10.6 m - 3 mm deduction

For lengths over 10.6 m - 5 mm deduction

Draw-in bracings should not be used without the prior knowledge and approval
of Project Engineer.
9.0

MOMENTS DUE TO ECCENTRICITY

The bracing connections suggested above are from the point of better detailing
and ease in fabrication. Moments caused due to eccentricity of connections, if
any, will still have to be accounted separately in column design or connection.
Slight eccentricities between the gravity axis of single and double angle
members and the centre of gravity of their connecting rivets or bolts have been
ignored as having negligible effect upon the strength of such members. Tests
have shown that similar practice is warranted in the case of welded members in
statically loaded structures.

10.0

STRUT CONNECTION AT MID SPAN

This can be of two cases:
(a)

Bracing installed before casting of floor slab or floor grating.

(b)

Bracing installed after the floor slab is cast.

In Case (a), the bracing at mid span acts like a prop and additional axial forces
are induced in bracing member due to dead load, live load.
In Case (b), the bracing is installed after the casting of floor slab or floor
grating and in that case such additional axial forces will be induced due to live
load only.
11.0

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
Strut Beam to Column Flange or Web Connection

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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BRACING CONNECTIONS AND DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 5 OF 11
OF 4

There are two ways of detailing column bracings:

(a)

Strut beam is provided with an end plate and gussets are welded to top and
bottom flange. The end plate extends at top and bottom and is connected to
gussets at top and bottom. The end plate is then bolted to column.
Advantages

Disadvantages

i.

Single Fit up between

beam and column

i.

ii.

Lesser number of
fasteners (bolts)

(b)

Strut beam is provided with an end plate which does not stick out
beyond the depth of beam. Stools are provided at top and bottom
which are connected to beam and column by bolts and the gusset in the
stool connects the bracing member.

To avoid damage to outstanding

gussets protruding from the beam
timber blocks are wired over
during transport and handling.

Advantages

Disadvantages

i.

i.

As stools are sent separately

there are no special precautions
to be taken during transport and
handling of beam

ii.

Double fit up to beam and

column
No. of fasteners are large.

REFERENCES
1)

Ebasco Design Guide

2)

Chemico Design Guide

3)

American Institute of Steel Construction

(AISC) - Manual of Steel Construction

4)

AISC - Detailing Handbook

5)

Design of Metal Structures by K. Mukhanov

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 6
OF 4

BRACING CONNECTIONS & DETAILS

OF 11

Example - 1 (Refer Fig. X on sheet 12)

From the Fig. it is seen that eccentricity of connection = nil
Bracing force is resolved at the joint O and vertical and horizontal components of the
force are computed.
Vertical component

Horizontal component

30
2
=

21.12 T

21.12 T

Since the wind load is assumed to be main load acting on the member no increase in
the permissible stresses is made as per Clause 3.9.4 of IS:800.
Bracing Connection

Step 1:

Net area = 2 x 25.06 - 2 2 x 2.15 - 32

1
of double
4 x 5.5
angle
along zigzag chain
of holes = 50.12 - 7.78 = 42.34 cm2
As per Clause 3.6.2.2 and 4.1 of IS:800-1984
Tensile stress on
= ft = 30
= 0.70 T/sq.cm
2 L 130 x 130 x 10
42.34
Pt = 1.53
T/sq.cm

Step 2:

MINIMUM THICKNESS OF GUSSET SHALL NOT BE LESS

THAN FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED THICKNESS

MAXIMUM DESIGN
FORCE IN MEMBER
IN TONNES
THICKNESS OF
GUSSET IN mm

UP TO

20-

45-

75-

115-

165-

225-

20

45

75

115

165

225

300

10

12

14

16

18

20

HENCE MINIMUM 10 THICK GUSSET REQUIRED.

Step 3:

Here the bolts are in double shear and bearing.

Double shear capacity of 20 mm dia black bolt
= 2 x d2 x fq
4
= 2 x 3.14 x 22x 0.815 = 5.118 T
4
Bearing value of 20 mm dia black bolt
= fb d t = 2.548 x 2 x 1 = 5.096 T

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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BRACING CONNECTIONS & DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 7
OF 4

OF 11

Hence capacity of bolt in bearing is to be considered in design i.e.

5.096T
No. of bolts required =

30 = 5.887
5.096

Hence provide 6 Nos. of 20 mm dia black bolts.

Steel Connection to Beam and Column
20 mm dia black bolt has:
Single Shear capacity =
=
=

d2 x p1q
4
3.14 x 22 x 0.815
4
2.560

Bearing capacity on 10 mm thk plate = Pb x d x t

of stool
= 2.548 x 2 x 1
= 5.096T
No. of bolts required =

21.12 = 8.25
2.56
Provide 10 Nos. of 20 mm diameter black bolts.

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BRACING CONNECTIONS & DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 8
OF 4

OF 11

Example 2 (Refer fig. on sheet 12)

(Angles welded to gusset)
Bracing Connection
Step 1:

Assume 8 mm fillet size of weld. Capacity of 8 mm fillet weld/cm.

(site weld)
=
0.707 x S x p1q x 0.8
=
0.707 x 0.8 x 1.100 x 0.8
=
0.498 T
Weld length required =
30
2 x 0.498
=
30 cm
Provide 30 cm weld length.

Step 2:

Check adequacy of gusset to transfer the force of 30T as in Example 1.

Gusset Connection to Beam and Column

Assume 8 mm size of fillet weld:
Weld length required = 21.12 = 33.95 cm
0.622
(Shop weld) Strength of 8 mm weld (0.707 x 0.8 x 1.1) = 0.622 T/cm
As there are 2 lines of weld.
Length of each line of weld = 20 cms
which will give effective length of
weld equal to 2 x 20 - 2 x 2 x 0.8 = 36.8 cm > 33.95 cm
__________
The width of plate at section A-A = (20)2 + (20)2 = 28.28
Tensile stress in gusset at Section A-A =

30
(28 x 1.0-2.1x1)
= 1.15 t/cm2
< 1.53 t/cm2

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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BRACING CONNECTIONS & DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 9
OF 4

OF 11

Example 3 (Refer fig. on sheet 13)

Bolted Construction - (Eccentric)
Bracing Connection
This is designed in the same way as Example 1.
Stool to beam and column connection
Eccentricity of connection at joint O = 7.5 cm
Moment due to eccentricity = 30 x 7.5 = 225 t-cm
The force of 30T is resolved at joint O into vertical and horizontal components:
Vertical component = 30 = 21.12 T
2
Horizontal component = 30/2 = 21.12 T
Assuming 10 nos. of 20 mm diameter bolts in vertical and horizontal directions
connecting column and beam
I of group of bolts in
vertical and horizontal direction

= 2 x 2 (62 + 122 + 182 + 242 + 302)

= 7920 cm4

Z = 7920 = 264 cm3

30
Root area of 20 mm diameter bolt = 0.707 x 3.14 = 2.2 cm2
Stress on the most stressed bolt = 30 x 7.5
due to moment
264 x 2.2
= 0.387 t/cm2 (TENSILE)
Shear stress on each bolt due to direct load = 21.12 = 0.672t/cm2
10x3.14
(SHEAR)
Check for combine action ) = 0.672 + 0.387
of shear and tension
)
0.815
1.223
= 1.14 < 1.4 Ref. Cl.8.9.4.5 of IS:800-1984
Hence the connection is adequate.
Example - 4
Design a welded connection for members as shown in a sketch in Example 3.
(Connection of gusset to stool)
TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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BRACING CONNECTIONS & DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 10
OF 4

OF 11

Assuming 2 lines of weld of 40 cm length and size of fillet weld equal to 6 mm.
Effective length of 6 mm fillet weld
= 40 - 2 x 0.6 = 38.8 cm
Z of weld group in vertical and horizontal direction about corner point = 2 x 2 x 38.82
3
Z = 2007.2 cm3
Force on weld due to bending = 30 x 7.5
2007.2
= 0.11 T/cm
Force on weld due to direct load = 21.12
38.8 x 2
= 0.27 T/cm
___________________
Resultant force on weld = 0.112 + 0.272 x 1.8
As per Cl.7.5.1.1 of
= 0.379 T/cm
IS:816-1969
< 0.467 T/cm i.e. capacity of 6 mm weld (0.6x0.707x1.1)
= 0.467 T/cm
Hence the design is safe.

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1

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BRACING CONNECTIONS & DETAILS

SECTION: WRITE-UP

SHEET 11
OF 4

OF 11

Example 5 (Refer fig. on sheet 13)

Design a knee bracing connection:
Eccentricity of connection = 0
Number of 20 mm dia bolts = 4
Single shear capacity of 20 mm dia bolt = d2 x p1q
4
= 3.14 x 22 x 0.815
4
= 2.56 T
Capacity of bolt in bearing = 2.548 x 2.0 x 1.0 = 5.096 tonnes
Connection Angle
No. of bolts required = 10.0 = 3.906
2.56
Provide 4 Nos. 20 dia bolts.
Bracket
Try 4 Nos. 20 dia bolts.
Shear force per bolt

10.0 = 1.77 tonnes

42

Shear stress

[ 1.77

x (2)2
4
0.563 t/sq.cm

Tension per bolt

10.0 = 1.77 tonnes

42

Tensile stress

1.77 = 0.805 t/sq.cm

2.2

.
..

0.563 + 0.805 = 1.349 < 1.4

0.815
1.223
Ref. Cl.8.9.4.5 of IS:800-1984.
END

TCE FORM NO. 120 R1