Tekla Structural Designer allows you to analyze and design a steel member with pinned end connections for axial compression and tension.
Steel braces can be specified as rolled I-sections, C-sections, T-sections, rectangular, square and circular hollow sections, angles, double angles, and flat sections.
Note: If working to the US head code, a brace specified as a flat section can only be analyzed, but design is beyond scope.
Design is performed using a set of design forces obtained from 3D Analysis. (Grillage Chasedown Analysis and FE Chasedown Analysis results are not required.)
Applied loading
The following points should be noted:
- Loads for the brace are derived from the building model.
- Element loads cannot be applied directly to the brace itself.
- Live and Roof Live load reductions are not applied.
- Moments due to self weight loading are ignored.
Design Forces
The design forces for strength checks are obtained from an analysis of the entire structure. Braces can be subject to axial compression or tension, but will not be subject to major and minor axis bending.