How can I connect two bracing members from the top flange of one girder to the bottom flange of another girder?

In staad if one member has multiple bracing members connected at different components of that member (e.g flange, web etc) how can I assign those connections? Is it a viable option to use offset? Also, in case of offset members it is also not possible to connect members from one offset to another one since we are not getting any additional nodes for the offsets. If we use plates to form a girder then we won't be getting the forces & moments of that element, we would only be able to check the plate stress? Can anyone attach any sample models?

  • The only change I would suggest is that, at the intersections of the X braces ( like nodes 520, 521 etc. ) do not apply full MZ releases because with full MZ releases applied at both ends of these braces, these nodes will not have any ability to carry out of plane shears like say a load in the global Y. That is the reason why your static check is not being satisfied for the load 1. You may consider either taking out the release at the intersections or have partial moment releases in these members as opposed to full moment releases.