SEU, a program provided by SE Solutions, LLC

Tips on Connection Forces/Design for Horizontal Bracing

During the October 2015 SE University Session Understanding Load Paths, Carol Drucker discussed load paths for a variety of framing configurations, including vertical and horizontal bracing connections. Carol mentioned that when considering the load path for horizontal bracing connections, she recommends the article “Horizontal Bracing” written by Bo Dowswell, P.E., which appeared in Modern Steel Construction’s July 2010 issue.

In this article, Bo Dowswell provides several practical design considerations in horizontal brace member and connection design. Below are a few examples of key items included in the article:

  •  A rule of thumb to quickly estimate horizontal brace depth
  •  Forces and moments to consider in horizontal bracing member design beyond axial forces
  •  How to select the appropriate steel shape for various project conditions (i.e. large loads, deep columns, etc) and how to detail the steel elevation for bracing members
  •  Correct connection load distribution of horizontal bracing forces to supporting beams

We hope you and your office find these practical considerations useful in your design of horizontal bracing systems.