aS racing Connections in Compression The Problem ‘These are eccentric hollow structural section (HSS) bracing connections, in which two plates are overlapped and bolted together. Flattened HSS Slotted HSS HSS Welded to Tee End Unless restrained against sidesway, each of these connections deflects laterally as itis loaded in compression, developing a plastic hinge in each plate at a fraction of the section compression capacity. The capacity of the connection is very much less than would be computed assuming the presence of lateral restraint or the absence of eccentricity. The problem seems to have gone unnoticed in Australia, possibly for these reasons: 1, Many connections of this type are designed for wind load only so they are rarely called upon to resist their design load. 2. Connections of this type in long members are designed for the member compression capacity which is less than the section capacity 3. Gusset plates that accommodate more than one member are usually larger than the rectangular gusset plate assumed in design and may afford a significant degree of lateral restraint. Sccentric HSS bracing connections in short members with a substantial dead load somponent are vulnerable if not designed rationally, Recommendations 1. Do not use the eecentrie HSS bracing connection for a short compression member unless it is stiffened against sidesway. An unstiffened connection of this. type ina short compression member will be uneconomic if properly designed - a concentric connection should be used. 2. Design eccentric HSS bracing connections taking eccentricity into account ‘by rigorous application of design code rules for combined bending and compression (as in Limon, for example). et blip Panne micnostue.com ay/lie_hmecleat. comp. Iiteg‘These are concentric HSS bracing connections. ForkPlate Connection Cover Plate Connection See. ir for a discussion of how Limeon evaluates Eccentrically Connected Cleats in Compression the capacity of lapped gusset plate connections. See also The Problem with Lapped Gusset Plates and Chronology of a Problem. References 5. Design of Structural Connections - 4th Edition -T.J. Hogan & LLR. Thomas - ASI - 1994. 16. Design of Structural Steel Hollow Section Connections - 1st Edition - A.A. Syam & B.G. Chapman - AST - 1996. 17. Hollow Structural Sections Connections Manual - American Institute of Steel Construction - 1997. 21, Seismie Behavior and Design of Gusset Plates - Abolhassan Astaneh-Asl - Structural Stee Educational Council - 1998.