Design Methods for H-Section Bracing Joints

Bracing-to-beam-column joints often refer to the standard atlas Detailing for Steel Joints in Multi-story and High-rise Civil Buildings（16G519）. However， the relevant design codes provide neither corresponding calculation methods nor specific detailing requirements for such joints. For the joints with bent straight flanges， this paper proposed design methods encompassing both strength calculation and detailing provisions. For the widely-used connection with curved flanges， the optimal shape of the curve was determined by solving a nonlinear differential equation established based on the equal-strength requirement in tension. The solution confirmed it to be a circular arc， and the corresponding minimum required radius was derived. Furthermore， based on the requirement that the reduction in tensile capacity contributed by the flange’s curved segment should be no more than 3%， a condition was proposed for determining the necessity of stiffeners at the curved segment. If stiffening is necessary， this paper provided a calculation method for determining the required stiffener spacing.