Gusset Base Plate Connection Problem

I suspect the angle of those braces is too severe (>70 degrees). See this for other possibilities:

• Troubleshooting Errors when Assigning Connections

Thank you. No, all the angles are fine, they range from 35-45 degrees. I had already read that troubleshooting link, but still having issues.

Ok, I've uploaded the file with the secure file upload option. The file name is Test.zip

The columns are typical wide flange sections and they seem to be perfectly straight according to the x, z coordinates.

Thanks

Sorry the previous file is not the correct file. I've uploaded it again via the secure option. File name is Test_NC.zip

Thanks

It's the small angle between the column rotation and the plane of the brace causing the problem. Our Gusset Base plate joints are limited to 0 and 90 degree column rotations only. If the column axis is aligned to the brace (or the node at the peak of the chevron) it will work.

Thanks! This solved most of the connections, but there are still a few that are not being assigned. It's only happening at two locations where I have two braces attaching to the same column base, see below. Is there anything that can be done to solve this?

Hi, just wanted to check if this is being looked at, thanks.

Hi, just wanted to check if this is being looked at, thanks.

We cannot currently design base plates for columns with braces in two planes. An enhancement has already been logged. Enhancement 659881: Gusset connection with braces in two planes

Ok thanks. Is there a workaround for this?

There is no good work-around now. If you manipulate the model so that only one brace intersects the base node it changes the behavior in unintended ways. We once allowed this condition, only for one brace at a time, but those designs would not always be safe.

I understand.

It would also be good to add an enhancement to allow connections where the column local axis is not in the same plane as the brace. Aligning the local axis to a node (as previously shown) only works if there's one brace attaching to that node, but if there's a brace on the other side (in a slightly different plane as the other brace), then one of the two braces will be out of plane and the connection will not be assigned correctly.

Seth,

Has the enhancement been followed up on? I have the same condition where I have two braces framing into a common node (braces fall within appropriate angles and are each in line with either the major or minor axis of the column) and I am still receiving the same error as previously mentioned in this thread.