STANDARDS KNEE

and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION

PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

A. GENERAL

The area in which the rigid frame exterior column and frame rafter intersect is
commonly referred to as the Haunch. If the members are tapered at this intersection,
the haunch is referred to as a Tapered Haunch. The connection of these members at
the haunch is referred to as the Knee Connection and is normally differentiated from
other type of connections in that the flange forces must change direction across the
connection.

VP’s knee connections are identified as either “Top Bolted” or “Face Bolted” depending
on the location of the bolting plate as shown below. The “Top Bolted” condition is the
normal default standard, however, the “Face Bolted” condition is required when the
following conditions exist:

• Reversed Tapered Columns

• Canopy or Lean-To connection interferes with bolting plate connection.
• Straight Columns or other conditions producing narrow exterior column depths such that top
bolted plate cannot develop the required moment capacity.
• Portal Brace and Frame connections.
• Straight Columns with Steep Roof Pitches may require a “Vertical Bolted” condition that is a
special case of the Face Bolted condition.

TOP BOLTED FACE BOLTED

l
Specia
Flange
Type 3

Di
a Bolting
Ty go
D

pe na
Flange Special

ia e 4

lK
Ty

go

4
Stiffen

n
Plate

St
p

na tiff

iff ee
l K en

en
S

ne er

er
er

ter er
e Raf e Raft
Fram Fram
Bolting Plate Type 3 Stiffener
mn
n m

r Colu
Colu

o
rior

Exteri
Exte

As standard, a Type 3 bearing stiffener is provided at the face of the column for Top
Bolted conditions and at the top of the column for Face Bolted conditions. Diagonal
Knee stiffeners are provided per design requirements and Flange Specials are provided
to transfer force to the haunch web from the adjacent flange across the bolting plate.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

B. DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS

The knee connection is critical to the proper performance of a Rigid Frame. Adequate
design requires the following: “ The knee connection must transfer the fixed-end
moment from the beam into the column and also provide adequate capacity for
transferring the beam shear to the column as well as the shear at the top of the column
into the beam. The bending moment and axial thrusts are assumed to be carried by the
flanges and the shear is assumed to be carried by the web.“ AISC Volume II,
Connections, pages 4-55.

In order to accomplish the above, the following assumptions are made:

• Member end moments and axial loads are carried by the flanges as equivalent
flange forces.
• The derived equivalent flange forces are transmitted to the haunch flanges and
carried by haunch web shear and/or diagonal knee stiffeners to the opposite face.
• Member shears ( Vb and Vc ) are transferred via bolting plate and type 3 stiffener.

/- Hb / 2
Mb / b + P b (FO)
P b (FO) =

f vb
Hb
Pc (FO) = Mc / c +/- Hc / 2

a
Mb
Vb
d tw b
fvc

Vb
c
/2
/- Hb
Pb (FI) / b+
= Mb
I)
P b (F
Pc (FO)
Vc
Pc (FI) Applied Loads:
Mc
Mb, Vb, Hb = rafter end moment,
shear & axial load.
Mc, Vc, Hc = column end moment,
c /2

Vc shear & axial load.

/- H

Hc
Geometry:
/c+

b = rafter depth - tf ( CL to CL flange )

c = column depth - tf
c
=M

a = [ c - b sin( θ ) ] / cos( θ )
(FI)

d = [ b - a tan( θ ) ] cos( θ )
Pc

θ = tan-1 ( roof slope)

Notes:
1. Flange forces are assumed to act perpendicular to the plane they intersect to be consistent with end
plate assumptions.
2. The flange force directions shown represent conditions typical for gravity loading. Flange force
directions for uplift loading are reverse.
3. Axial loads, Hc and Hb, are negative when they reduce the flange stress.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

C. WEB SHEAR CAPACITY ( w/o diagonal knee stiffener )

It is assumed that member end moments and axial loads are transferred via equivalent
flange forces to the haunch web as shown below. The haunch web is checked to insure
that there is adequate shear capacity to transfer horizontal and vertical shear stresses
fvb and fvc to the bolting plate and the type 3 stiffener. The combined horizontal and
vertical shear stresses create a diagonal compressive stress that has been accounted
for in the derivation of the allowable shear capacity of the web, Fv.

Equating Pb (FO) to the haunch web shear capacity

and solving for the required thickness: 2
+/- H b / P b (FO)
P b (FO) = Mb / b

Pb (FO) = [ Mb / b ± Hb / 2 ] ≤ Fv ( a tw )
/ a tw
fvb = P b (FO
)

tw,b ( req.) = [ Mb / abFv ] ± [ Hb / 2aFv ] * θ a

Pc (FO) = Mc / c +/- Hc / 2

fvc = Pc (FO) / d tw
Similarly for the column side, equating Pc (FO) to the
haunch web shear capacity and solving for the
d b
required thickness:

Pc (FO) = [ Mc / c ± Hc / 2 ] ≤ Fv ( d tw ) tw c β
tw,c ( req.) = [ Mc / dcFv ] ± [ Hc / 2dFv ] *
Pc (FO)
Note - The derived flange forces due to end moments utilize the exact distance between flange centroids (
M / d ) vs. the approximate ( M / 0.95 d) dimension normally associated with hot rolled shapes.

The average allowable web shear, Fv, is evaluated per AISC equations F4-2 and G3-
1(Cv ≤ 1) assuming the following values for “a” and “h”:

Beam Side, Fvb

a
“a” = d2 & “h” = d1

d2 Column Side, Fvc

d1 b
d
“a” = d1 & “h” = d2

where:
d1 = ½ [ c + a cos(θ) ] - Σ t flanges
c d2 = ½ [ d + b cos(θ) ] - Σ t flanges

* Theoretically, the derived values of tw,c and tw,b should be equal, however, due to complexity of geometry
and simplifying assumptions, values may vary slightly requiring the use of the maximum value of tw,c or tw,b
.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

D. WEB SHEAR CAPACITY ( w/ diagonal knee stiffener )

In the event that the haunch web shear capacity is not adequate to transfer all flange
forces, a diagonal knee stiffener is provided to transfer the deficiency.

It is assumed that the presence of a diagonal knee stiffener will increase the web’s
allowable shear capacity by reducing “a” and “h” by 50% as shown below. The ratio of
“a/h” will remain constant, however, Fv will increase due to the reduction in “h”. The
allowable shear capacity with reduced values of “a” and “h” is designated as F’v .

Beam Side, F’vb

a
“a” = ½ d2 & “h” = ½ d1

d2 /2 Column Side, F’vc

d1 / 2 b
d
d1 / 2 “a” = ½ d1 & “h” = ½ d2
d2 /2
where:
d1 = ½ [ c + a cos(θ) ] - Σ t flanges
c d2 = ½ [ d + b cos(θ) ] - Σ t flanges

Stiffener Force, Fs

The forces in the diagonal knee stiffener are derived by a tw

assuming the stiffener acts as a diagonal chord member. - F’ v
P b (FO)
a θ
Σ Fx = 0
β
Pc (FO) - F’v d tw

[ Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ] cos(θ) - Fs1 cos(β) = 0

Fs1 = [ Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ] [cos(θ) / cos (β) ] F
st
d
or Σ Fy = 0
tw
- [ Pc (FO) - F’v d tw ] + Fs2 sin (β) + [ Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ] sin (θ) = 0
β
Fs2 = [ Pc (FO) - F’v d tw ]/sin (β)-[ Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ][sin(θ)/sin(β) ]

The above derivations of diagonal stiffener load are slightly different from those
normally encountered because of the introduction of the roof slope or θ to satisfy
equilibrium. By assuming θ = 0 and designing for the maximum stiffener force obtained
from Fs1 or Fs2 with θ = 0, the resulting stiffener force is conservative. Substituting θ = 0:

β)
Fs1 = [ Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ] / cos (β and β)
Fs2 = [ Pc (FO) - F’v d tw ] / sin (β

where : Fs = max. of { Fs1 , Fs2 }

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

BUILDINGS, 05/22/01 Rev. 2 Page 4 of 12
INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

E. DIAGONAL KNEE ( Type 4 ) STIFFENER DESIGN

The diagonal knee stiffener must be designed as both an “axial loaded member” and a
“transverse shear” stiffener. The area of the stiffener, Ast, must be capable of carrying
the axial load, Fs, due to any web shear capacity deficiency and in order to take
advantage of the increased web shear capacity, F’v , the stiffener must meet the
requirements for transverse stiffeners.

Axial Load Capacity

Fst1 = (Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ) / cos (β) Fst2 = (Pc (FO) - F’v d tw ) / sin (β)
F allowable axial = Ast ( 0.6 Fy ) F allowable axial = Ast ( 0.6 Fy )

Substituting terms and solving for the Substituting terms and solving for the
required stiffener area, Ast1 (req.) : required stiffener area, Ast2 (req.) :

Ast1 (req.) = (Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ) / 0.6 Fy cos (β) Ast2 (req.) = (Pc (FO) - F’v d tw ) / 0.6 Fy sin (β)

Ast1 (req.) = Mb / b ± Hb / 2 - F’va tw Ast2 (req.) = Mc / c ± Hc / 2 - F’vd tw

β)
0.6 Fy cos(β β)
0.6 Fy sin(β

where : Ast (req.) = max. of { Ast1 (req.) , Ast2 (req.) }

The above axial load capacity derivation assumes the stiffener Qs = 1.0 requiring the
stiffener slenderness to meet b / t ≤ 95 / (Fy)½ .

Transverse Stiffener Requirements

Additionally, the AISC provisions of section G4 “Transverse Stiffeners” must also be

satisfied for minimum stiffener moment of inertia, Ist.

• I st min. = ( hst / 50 )4 ( AISC eq. G4-1 )

stiff.

web ts bs hst = stiffener length

na
tw 3
bs Ist = tst ( bst + tw ) / 12 for single sided stiffener
3
Ist = tst ( 2 bst + tw ) / 12 for double sided stiffener*

* System progresses to a double sided stiffener when the

single sided stiffener, tst > 1/2”.

The above assumes no tension field action and equations G4-2 and G4-3 are not
applicable. Normally, the new value Cv based on 50% of “a” and “h” will result in value
near 1.0 .

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

F. TYPE 3 BEARING STIFFENERS

Bearing: For load conditions producing inside column and rafter flange compression
(normally associated with gravity loading ), type 3 stiffeners are designed as bearing
stiffeners meeting the requirements of AISC Sections K1.8 and E2.

F st
For top bolted conditions, the type 3 stiffener must

Type
{ twb }
resist the column inside flange compression force,Pc (FI).

3 Stif
According to AISC Connections, Volume II, page 6-32

dc
Top Bolted tfb

fene
to 6-36, the flange force may be reduced by the

r
minimum of the web buckling strength ( AISC eq. K1-8) tplate

or the local web yielding strength ( AISC eq. K1-9). The

resulting stiffener force for design, Fst, is as follows:
tfc
Pc (FI)
Fst = 5/3 Pc (FI) - min. of { Pwy , Pwb }
where:
Pc (FI) = [ Mc / c ± Hc / 2 ]
Pwy = Fy twb ( tfc + tplate + 5 k ) normally controls
k = tplate + welds ( K1-9 )
½
Pwb = 4100 twb ( Fy ) / dc ( K1-8 )

A st req’d = Fst / Fy
notes-welds are normally full penetration between type 3 and plate..

Face Bolted
I)
P b (F
For face bolted conditions, the type 3 stiffener must t plate tfb
resist the rafter inside flange compression force, Pb (FI). Fst Type 3 Stiffener

In a similar fashion to the above:

dc

Fst = 5/3 Pb (FI) - min. of { Pwy , Pwb } { twc }

tfc
where:
Pb (FI) = [ Mb / b ± Hb / 2 ]
Pwy = Fy twc ( tfb + tplate + 5 k ), normally controls
k = tplate + welds ( K1-9 )
½
Pwb = 4100 twc ( Fy ) / dc ( K1-8 )

A st req’d = Fst / Fy

See AISC Vol. II, Connections , page 6-32 for derivation of k .

The term 5/3 is for live and dead loads. Use 4/3 for wind loads.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

F. TYPE 3 BEARING STIFFENERS ( continued )

The allowable axial stiffener load is derived from AISC Section E2.

Note - The above stiffener forces, Fst, are factored and should not be used in ASD
section E.2 without multiplying by 0.60 ( gravity ) or 0.75 ( wind ).

VP Command uses a stiffener force equal to Fst = Afc [ Mc / Sxc + Pc / Ac ] for evaluating
Section E2 which is equivalent to ( 0.60 or 0.75) Fst above. See design example.

• Stiffeners provided in pairs.

stiff.

web ts bs • Cross section for axial loads consists of 25 tw portion of

na web and stiffeners.
2
tw As = 2 bs ts + 25 tw
bs 3 3
Is = ts ( 2 bs +tw ) / 12 + ( 25 tw - ts ) tw / 12
• Effective column length = 0.75 hs.
½
• Qs = 1.0 requiring b/t ≤ 95 / (Fy)
25 t

Note- VP Command will set the minimum stiffener thickness equal to the bearing flange
thickness.

Tension: For load conditions producing inside column and rafter flange tension
(normally associated with uplift loading), type 3 stiffeners are designed as tension
members per AISC Section D1 with Pallow. = 0.6 Fy As .

In a similar fashion to compression, the flange tension force may be reduced by the
minimum of the local flange bending strength ( AISC eq. K1-1) or the local web yielding
strength ( AISC eq. K1-9). The resulting stiffener force for design, Fst, is as follows:

Fst = 5/3 Pc (FI) - min. of { Pwy , Pfb } Fst = 5/3 Pb (FI) - min. of { Pwy , Pfb }
where: where:
Pc (FI) = [ Mc / c ± Hc / 2 ] Pb (FI) = [ Mb / b ± Hb / 2 ]
Pwy = Fy twb ( tfc + tplate + 5 k ) ( K1-9 ) Pwy = Fy twc ( tfb + tplate + 5 k ) K1-9 )
k = tplate + welds ( K1-9 ) k = tplate + welds ( K1-9 )
Pfb = 6.25 tfb Fy ( K1-1 ) Pfb = 6.25 tfc Fy ( K1-1 )

A st req’d = Fst / Fy A st req’d = Fst / Fy

The term 5/3 is for live and dead loads. Use 4/3 for wind loads. The term 5/3 is for live and dead loads. Use 4/3 for wind loads.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

G. FLANGE SPECIAL / FLANGE DESIGN

The flange specials and flanges e

Flang
interconnecting the outside column and P b (FO)
θ
rafter flange are designed to carry the a

equivalent flange forces Pc (FO) and Pb (FO) β

Flange Special
and transmit these forces into the haunch
web and diagonal knee stiffener when d
required. For gravity load cases, the flange
tw
special and flange are normally in tension

Pc (FO)
and for uplift load cases they are in
compression.

Due to the conservative assumptions that

member axial and bending stresses are

bflg. special
carried into the haunch connection via the web
flanges, flange and flange special stresses

tf
tw
may exceed 0.60 Fy ( normally in
compression ). It is assumed that the 12 tw
effective flange area for flange stress
evaluations is the area of the flange plus P allow. = 0.6 Fy A equiv. flg.
12 tw portion of the web which is consistent
with stiffener area evaluations at member A equiv. flg. = bf tf + 12 tw 2
ends.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

H. CANOPY BEAM ATTACHMENT

Forces derived from eave canopies attachments and other members that frame in the
haunch area are resolved as equivalent flange forces and are transferred to the haunch
web in a manner consistent will those previously described and as summarized below.

Note - Eave canopy end moments and forces have already been included in frame
analysis and are reflected in the values of Mb and Mc . That is, the derived value of
Pb (FO) from the frame analysis information will already include any flange force
reductions from the canopy flange force, Pcn (FO) .

In the event that the eave canopy is manually added, the previously described
procedures in sections A through E are applicable for evaluating haunch web capacity
by replacing the flange force Pb (FO) with Pb (FO) - Pcn (FO) and Pc (FO) with Pc (FO).- Vcn.

/- H b / 2
Mb / b +
P b (FO) =

Pcn (FO) P b (FO)

P b (FO) -

/ 2
+/- H cn
M cn / e P cn (FO) f vb
P cn (FO) =
Hb
Vcn a
Mcn
Mb
Vb
Hcn e Vcn d tw b
fvc

Vb
Pcn (FI)
c
Pcn (FI) = Mcn / e +/- Hcn / 2 /2
/- Hb
Pb (FI) / b+
= Mb
I)
P b (F
Pc (FO)
Vc
Pc (FI)
Mc
Geometry: Applied Loads:
Pc (FO) = Mc / c +/- Hc / 2

b = rafter depth Mb, Vb, Hb = rafter end moment,

c /2

c = column depth Vc shear & axial load.

/- H

a = [ c - b sin( θ ) ] / cos( θ ) Hc Mc, Vc, Hc = column end moment,

d = [ b - a tan( θ ) ] cos( θ ) shear & axial load.
/c+

θ = tan-1 ( roof slope) Mcn, Vcn, Hcn = canopy end moment,

e = canopy depth shear & axial load.
c
=M
(FI)
Pc

Web bearing stiffeners are provided as standard at the intersection of the canopy
beam bottom flange and designed per AISC Section K1.8.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

G. HAUNCH WELDS

flange
General:
6
di
ag 1
on
al • Welds shall be sized for the

type 3 b
kn
8 ee
s tif
fen applied loads according to

earing
er 5
2
(t
yp
AISC Section J2.
flange special

e 4)
3

stiffener
4 • Minimum welds shall be in
FP
9 9 accordance with AISC
7
Table J2.4.
bolting plate

FP
3

Minimum Flange / Stiffener-to-Web Weld Sizes Per AISC Section J2:

Flange or Stiffener Thickness
Web Tk. 5/16”,3/8”,7/16”,1/2” 5/8”, 3/4” 7/8”,1”, > 1”
10 Ga. 3/16” 3/16” 3/16”
8 Ga. 3/16” 3/16” 3/16”
3/16” 3/16” 3/16” 3/16”
1/4” 3/16” 1/4” 1/4”
5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16” 3/16” 1/4” 5/16”
1/2” 3/16” 1/4” 5/16”
1. Minimum weld size used 3/16”
2. Maximum size flange-to-web CONRAC weld is 5/16”.

Stiffener -to-Web Weld Patterns:

Web Weld Weld • Stiffener-to-web welds are initially set to

intermediate fillet weld patterns as shown
Thick. Length Pitch
with minimum weld sizes.
tw L P
• If weld patterns do not develop the required
10 Ga. 1-1/2” 3”
load, design progresses to a continuous one
P 8 Ga. 1-1/2” 3”
L sided “OS” weld, then to a continuous
3/16” 2” 5” weld on both sides “BS."
1/4” 2” 5”
5/16” 4” 8” • Insure weld does not exceed base metal
3/8” 4” 8” shear yielding or 0.4 Fy t w (k/in.).
7/8” 4” 8”
1/2” 4” 8”

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

G. HAUNCH WELDS ( Continued )

flange

6
di
ag 1
on
al

type 3 b
kn
8 ee
s tif
fen

earing
er 5
(t
2 yp
flange special

e 4)
3

stiffener
4
FP
9 9
7

bolting plate

FP
3

WELD 1: Flange-to-Web

The flange-to-web weld must be sized to deliver the rafter flange load, Pb (FO) , to the
haunch web, less the load delivered to diagonal knee ( type 4) stiffener.

Load = Pb (FO) = [ Mb / b ± Hb / 2 ] ≤ F’v a tw

WELD 2: Flange Special-to-Web

The flange special to-web weld must be sized to deliver the flange load, Pd (FO) , less the
load delivered to diagonal knee ( type 4) stiffener.

Load = Pc (FO) = [ Mc / c ± Hc / 2 ] ≤ F’v d tw

WELD 3: Type 4 Knee Stiffener-to-Flange & Flange Special

The flange special / flange- to-type 4 knee stiffener weld must be sized to deliver the
axial load, Fst ( Section D ), to the type 4 knee stiffener:

Load = Fst = Larger { Fst1 , Fst2 }

where:
β)
Fst1 = [ Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ] / cos (β
β) }
Fst2 = [ Pc (FO) - F’v d tw ] / sin (β

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

G. HAUNCH WELDS ( Continued )

flange WELD 4: Diagonal (Type 4 )

Knee Stiffener-to-Web:
6
di
ag 1
on
al The diagonal knee stiffener

type 3 b
kn
8 ee
s tif
fen
will support the haunch web

earing
er 5
(t
yp
against buckling and only a
2
flange special

3
e 4) nominal attachment to the

stiffener
4 web is required for this
FP
9
purpose. ( See AISC Vol.II,
9 7
“Connections," pages 6-41.)
bolting plate

FP
3

WELD 5 & 6: Type 3 Bearing Stiffener-to-Web & Flange

The Type 3 stiffener-to-web welds must be designed to deliver the following forces:

Pstiff. = 5/3 ( Mc / c ± Hc / 2 ) - min. { Pwy , Pwb } top bolted, gravity loading

Pstiff. = 5/3 ( Mc / c ± Hc / 2 ) - min. { Pwy , Pfb } top bolted, uplift loading
Pstiff. = 5/3 ( Mb / b ± Hb / 2 ) - min. { Pwy , Pwb } face bolted, gravity loading
Pstiff. = 5/3 ( Mb / b ± Hb / 2 ) - min. { Pwy , Pfb } face bolted, uplift loading

WELD 7: Bolting Plate-to-Web

The bolting plates are welded to the webs to develop the full capacity of the web in
tension ( 0.6 Fy ) and are adequate for shear yielding ( 0.4 Fy ).

WELD 8: Flange Special-to-Flange

Analysis assume that all flange and flange special forces are transferred to the haunch
web and ( when required ) any excess to the diagonal ( type 4 ) knee stiffener. In the
event that there is no diagonal knee stiffener, the flange-to-flange welds need only be
AISC minimums since all flange forces are transmitted to the web. In the event force is
being transferred to the knee stiffener, the combination of welds 3 and 8 are utilize to
transfer force to both to the knee stiffener and the flange special.

WELD 9: Flange-to-Bolting Plate

Flange-to-bolting plate welds are two side fillet welds designed to transfer flange forces
across the bolting plate. The type 3 stiffener to bolting plate is defaulted at a full
penetration weld.

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3

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INC.
STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN

dT
hs
Flange
special F1
YT1 YT2
WT

(4) (3) dI

V1
tp
(1)
dO

(5) YB2

WB F2
(2) YB1

Type 3
stiff
Figure 1
½”
Web
splice

(6)

dB

ts
NOTE: The term Sf in the equations contained herein refers to the hs
allowable stress increase for wind (if allowed by the governing code
tfs
or standard), or seismic loading when the check is for “strength”.
For seismic strength checks Sf = 1.7∅ where ∅ is defined in the
AISC Seismic Provisions (1997 Ed. Section 4) for the type of stress
or element under consideration. bfs
WT
Top Chord Check tw
Chord force F1 acts over the cross section shown in Figure 2.

We will assume that 100% of the chord flange Figure 2

force is resisted by the flange special. The
remainder of the force is resisted by the length of web

VP DESIGN MANUAL Section: 3.3.2

BUILDINGS, 02/07/03 Rev. 0 Page 1 of 8
INC.
STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN
WT and the bolting plate stiffener (if present).

Flange special size

The initial flange special size is set to that of the top chord flange size. Then the following
checks are made.

Flange special out-of-plane buckling

 A flange + Astiff 
 F1C 
 Atee + Astiff 
fa = ksi
AFS
Where:
F1C = maximum compressive force at top chord
Aflange = Area of top chord flange
Astiff = Area of bolting plate stiffener if present
Atee = Area of top chord (flange plus stem)
AFS = Area of flange special
bFS = Width of flange special
Fa = Allowable buckling stress based on AISC section E2 where:
KL = 0.75 x Length of flange special
b
r = FS
12

Acceptance criterion:
fa
≤1
Fa
If equation is not satisfied the width of the flange special is increased until it is satisfied.

Flange special local buckling

 A flange 
 F1C 
 Atee + Astiff 
fa = ksi
AFS
Fa = 0.6FyQs

Acceptance criterion:
fa
≤1
Fa

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INC.
STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN

Haunch web thickness

The haunch web thickness is determined by the more critical of the following.

a) Top chord normal force

It is assumed that the portion of force F1 carried by the chord stem will be distributed over
web width WT . This force is equal to:

FS = [Astem /(A tee + A stiff)] F1

WT = YT1 + g1 (If F1 = tension)

WT = YT2 + 2.5 tp (If F1 = compression)

FS FS
≤ 0.6 Fy S f à tw =
WT t w WT 0.6 Fy S f

b) Bottom chord normal force

The remainder of force F 2 is resisted by the web width WB + ½” + t3. This force is equal to:
FS = [A stem /Atee ] F2

WB = YB1 + g1 (If F2 = tension)

WB = YB2 + 2.5 tp (If F2 = compression)

FS FS
≤ 0.6 Fy S f à tw =
(W B + 0.5 + t 3 )t w 0.6 Fy S f (W B + 0.5 + t 3 )

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INC.
STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN

c) Panel zone shear force

The external forces acting on the haunch panel zone are as shown in Figure 3.

a F1

V1 Figure 3
d
b

F2

A V2
c
T2 C2

External forces F1, F2 and V 1 are taken directly from the truss rafter analysis results based
on the end actions of the members framing into the haunch as shown in Figure 3-A and 3-
B.
VTC
TTC
θ2
TWEB
θ1 Figure 3-A

V BC
CBC

VTC
TTC

Figure 3-B
CWEB
θ1
θ2
CBC
V BC

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STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN

For the condition in Figure 3-A:

F1 = TTC + TWEBCos(θ2)
F2 = C BC
V1 = TWEBCos(θ1) + V TC + V BC

For the condition in Figure 3-B:

F1 = TTC
F2 = C BC + C WEBCos(θ2)
V1 = C WEBCos(θ1) + V TC + V BC

Note: V TC and V BC are the chord end shears due to flexure.

Given these three forces T2, C 2 and V 2 are determined from statics.

∑M A = 0 = F1[ d − cSin (α )] + V1[ cCos(α )] + F2 [cSin (α )] − C 2 c

F1 [d − cSin (α )] + V1[ cCos(α )] + F2 [cSin (α )]

à C2 =
c

∑F V = 0 = F1 Sin (α ) − V1Cos (α ) − F2 Sin(α ) + C 2 − T2

à T2 = F1Sin (α ) − V1Cos (α ) − F2 Sin(α ) + C2

∑F H = 0 = F1Cos (α ) + V1 Sin (α ) − F2 Cos(α ) − V2

à V2 = F1Cos (α ) + V1Sin (α ) − F2Cos (α )

Given all four forces the unit shear along each edge of the knee panel is calculated as
follows.

fva = F1/a k/in

fvb = T2/b k/in
fvc = [V 2 + F2Cos(α)]/c k/in
fvd = [V 1 + F2Sin(α) – C2Cos(α)] /d k/in

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STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN

f vmax
Shear yielding: ≤ 0.4Fy S f
tw

f vavg
Shear buckling: ≤ Fv S f
tw

Where: Fv = Allowable shear stress per AISC-ASD (F4-2)

h/tw = (a + c)/2tw
a/h = (b + d)/(a + c)
fvavg = 2F1/[a + cCos(α)]
Sf = Stress factor for wind or seismic as described on
page 1
tw

WB
t3
Bottom Chord Check

Chord force F2 acts over the cross section shown in Figure 3. ½”

b3
We will assume that 100% of the chord flange
force is resisted by the type 3 stiffener. The
remainder of the force is resisted by the length Figure 3
of web WB + ½” + t3.

Type 3 stiffener size

The initial type 3 size is set to equal that of the bottom chord flange size.
i.e. b3 = (bfb – tw)/2 and t3 = tfb

Then the following checks are made based on the maximum compressive force in the
bottom chord.

Type 3 stiffener out-of-plane buckling

 A flange 
 F2 C 
fa = 
Atee 
ksi
( 2b3 + t w )t 3

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STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN

Where:
F2C = maximum compressive force at bottom chord
bfb = With of bottom chord flange
tfb = Thickness of bottom chord flange
b3 = Width of each type 3 stiffener
t3 = Thickness of type 3 stiffeners
tw = Column haunch web thickness

Fa = Allowable buckling stress based on AISC section E2 where:

KL = 0.75 x Length of type 3 stiffeners
(2b 3 + t w )
r=
12

Acceptance criterion:
fa
≤1
Fa
If equation is not satisfied the width of the type 3 stiffeners is increased until it is satisfied.

Type 3 local buckling

 A flange 
 F2 C 
fa =  Atee 
ksi
( 2b3 + t w )t 3
Fa = 0.6FyQs

Acceptance criterion:
fa
≤1
Fa

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STANDARDS OPEN WEB
and CONNECTIONS KNEE
PRACTICES DESIGN

Weld Designs:

Welds 1 and 2

These welds are made equal to the larger of the top and bottom chord stem welds or
minimum per AISC table J2.4 based on thickness of thinner part joined for both welds.

Welds 3 and 4

fv = fva or fvb respectively for welds 3 & 4

Required weld size: D = ½ fv/[0.3(F USf)0.0442] 16ths

USE larger of D or minimum per AISC table J2.4 based on thickness of thinner part
joined

Weld 5

Weld 5 is the standard minimum weld per Weld Standard WS-P-01

F2 A flange
Weld 6 fv =
2 Atee d B

Required weld size: D = fv/[0.3(F USf)0.0442] 16ths

USE larger of D or minimum per AISC table J2.4 based on thickness of thinner part
joined

Flange Special to Bolting Plate Weld

This weld is made to be the same as the top chord flange weld.

Type 3 to Bolting Plate Weld

This weld is always a CJP weld.

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

APPENDIX EX

DESIGN EXAMPLE

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STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

DESIGN EXAMPLE

1. Haunch Geometry

“ roof slope 1:12

.04
a = 53 θ = 4.76 deg.

Geometry:
e
” flang
12” x 1
b = 60”-1” = 59”
type 3
c = 59” - 1.25” = 57.75”
1-1/4”

tw = 3 / 8”
b = 59 “
flange special
d = 54.40

θ = Tan ( 1: 12 slope) = 4.76º

-1
S
x

tiffene
5.875”
12” x 1”

tw = 3 / 8”
a = [ c - b Sin θ ] / Cos θ
r

t plate = 1-1/4”
= [ 57.75 - 59 Sin θ ] / Cos θ
= 53.04”
10” 1-1/4” flange

d = [ b - a Tan θ ] Cos θ
tw = 3 / 8” = [ 59 - 57.75Tan θ ] Cos θ
= 54.40”

c = 57.75 “

2. Applied Loads and Flange Forces

Pb (FO)
Equivalent Flange Forces:
Vb Mb Pb (FO) = Mb / b - Hb / 2
Hb
= 23426.4/(59)-102.6/2
= 397.06 - 51.30
= 345.76 kips

Pb (FI) Pb (FI) = Mb / b + Hb / 2
= 397.06 + 51.30
Mb = 23426.4 in.- k
= 448.36 kips
Vc Hb = - 102.6 kips
Mc Vb = 85.5 kips Pc (FO) = Mc / c - Hc / 2
= 23530.6/(57.75)-118.1/2
Hc = 407.46 - 59.05
= 348.41 kips
Mc = 23530.6 in.- k
Hc = - 118.1 kips
Vc = 79.1 kips Pc (FI) = Mc / c + Hc / 2
= 407.46 + 59.05
= 466.51 kips
Pc (FO) Pc (FI)

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INC.
STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

3. Web Shear and Type 4 Diagonal Knee Stiffener Requirements

a. Evaluate Haunch Web Shear Capacity, Fv

a θ = 4.76°, a =53.04”, b = 59”, c = 57.75”, d = 54.40”

d1 = ½ [ c + a cos(θ) ] - Σ t flanges
d2 = ½ [ 57.75” + 53.04”cos(4.76°) ] - 1”
d1 b = 54.30”
d

d2 = ½ [ d + b cos(θ) ] - Σ t flanges
= ½ [ 54.40” + 59”cos(4.76°) ] - 1¼”
= 55.35”
c note- only one flange thick. removed since a, b, c, & d are
centerline flg. distances.

Beam Side, Fvb : Column Side, Fvc :

a = d2 = 55.35” a = d1 = 54.30”
h = d1 = 54.30” h = d2 = 55.35”
a / h = 55.35” / 54.30” = 1.02 a / h = 54.30” / 55.35” = 0.98

tw = 3/8” tw = 3/8”
½ ½
h / tw = 144.80 > 380 / (Fy ) = 54 h / tw = 147.60 > 380 / (Fy ) = 54
2 2
kv = 5.34 + 4.00 / (a/h) = 9.18 kv = 4.00 + 5.34 / (a/h) = 9.56
2 2
Cv = 45000 kv / [ Fy ( h/tw) ] = 0.39 Cv = 45000 kv / [ Fy ( h/tw) ] = 0.40

Per AISC equation G3.1 Per AISC equation G3.1

Fvb = 13.17 ksi Fvc = 13.37 ksi

b. Determine if Diagonal Knee Stiffener is Required

Beam Side, tw,b (req.): Beam Side, tw,c (req.):

tw, b (req.) = [ Mb /abFvc ] - [ Hb / 2aFvc ] tw, c (req.) = Mc / dcFvc - [ Hc / 2dFvb ]

tw, b (req.) = (23426.4) / [ (53.04)(59)(13.17)] tw, c (req.) = (23530.6) / [ (54.40)(57.75)(13.37)]
- [ 102.6 / 2(53.04)(13.17) ] - [ 118.1 / 2(54.40)(13.37) ]
tw, b (req.) = 0.5684” - 0.0734” = 0.50” tw, c (req.) = 0.5602” - 0.0812” = 0.48”

tw, b (req.) = 0.50” > tw tw, c (req.) = 0.48” > tw

Diagonal Knee Stiffener Required or Change tw = 1/2”

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STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

4. Add Type 4 Stiffener, Evaluate F’v & Determine Stiffener Force, Fs

a. Determine F’v with Diagonal Knee Stiffener

θ = 4.76°
d2 /2
a = 53.04”, b = 59”
b
c = 57.75”, d = 54.40”
d1 / 2
d d1 = 54.30”
d1 / 2
d2 = 55.35”
d2 /2

Beam Side, F’vb: Column Side, F’vc:

a = ½ d2 = ½ ( 55.35” ) = 27.68” a = ½ d1 = ½ ( 54.30” ) = 27.15”

h = ½ d1 = ½ ( 54.30” ) = 27.15” h = ½ d2 = ½ ( 55.35” ) = 27.68”
a / h = 1.02 a / h = 0.98

tw = 3/8” tw = 3/8”
½ ½
h / tw = 72.40 > 380 / (Fy ) = 54 h / tw = 73.81 > 380 / (Fy ) = 54
2 2
kv = 5.34 + 4.00 / (a/h) = 9.18 kv = 5.34 + 4.00 / (a/h) = 9.56
½ ½
Cv = [ 190 / ( h/tw) ] ( kv / Fy ) = 1.13 Cv = [ 190 / ( h/tw) ] ( kv / Fy ) = 1.13

Per AISC equation F4-2 ( no tension field) Per AISC equation F4-2 ( no tension field)

F’vb = 19.55 ksi < 0.4 Fy F’vc= 19.55 ksi < 0.4 Fy

b. Diagonal Knee Stiffener Force, Design Fs

Beam Side, Fs1 : Column Side, Fs2 :

Fs1 = [ Pb (FO) - F’v a tw ] / cos (β) Fs2 = [ Pc (FO) - F’v d tw ] / sin (β)

θ= 4.76° θ= 4.76°
β = tan-1 ( d /c ) = tan-1 ( 55.29 / 59 ) = 43.14° β = 43.14°
Pb (FO) = 345.76 k Pc (FO) = 348.41 k

Fs1 = [ 345.76- 19.55(53.04)(3/8)] / cos ( 43.14) Fs2 = [ 360.76 - 19.55(54.40)(3/8)] / sin (43.14)
=<0 =<0

Fs1 = 0 Fs2 = 0

Haunch web shear capacity can absorb all flange forces.

There is no force in the Diagonal Knee Stiffener

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STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

5. Diagonal Knee ( Type 4 ) Stiffeners

a. Size and Design

Stiffener is initially sized with a width equal to ½ the flange width less the web thickness, tw

bst = ½ bf - tw = ½ (12” ) - 3/8” = 5-5/8”

Since the stiffener axial load is zero, the area required, Ast (req.), will be zero and its corresponding
thickness will be zero. The second check in the sizing process is to insure that bst / tst ≤ 95 / ( Fy ) is
½

satisfied. Solving for tst ( This is conservative in that there are no stiffener forces) :
½
tst = bst ( Fy ) / 95 = 0.42”
try: tst = ½”

The stiffener axial load is zero. Check transverse

stiffener requirements assuming no tension field

stiff.
action. web ts bs
Try single sided stiffener. na
4
I st min. = ( h st / 50 ) ( AISC eq. G4-1 ) tw
bs
2 2 ½ 2 2 ½
h st = [ d + c ] = [ 53.04 + 57.75 ] = 78.41”
4 4
Ist min. = ( h / 50 ) = 6.05 in
3 4
Ist = t st ( bst + 3/8” web ) / 12 = 18 in ok

Use (1) ½” x 5-5/8” stiffener

b. Size Type 4 Stiffener Welds ( welds 3 & 4 )

Weld 4: Type 4 to web

tw = 3/8”, tst = ½”
Minimum fillet weld size required = 3/16” ( 2.78 k / in.)
Base metal shear yielding = 0.4 Fy tw = 7.5 k / in. > 2.78 k / in. ok
Pst per stiffener = 0 kips
Use VP minimum stitch pattern for 3/8” web or L = 4 / P = 8

Use: F 3/16” - 4 - 8 ( weld 4 )

Weld 3: Type 4 to Flanges
tst = ½”, tflg. special = tflange = 1”
Minimum fillet weld size required = 5/16” ( 4.76 k / in.)
Pst per stiffener = 0 kips
Use VP standard double sided, minimum weld size

Use: F 5/16”- 2 ( weld 3 )

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STANDARDS KNEE
and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

6. Size and Design Type 3 Bearing Stiffeners

a. Determine Type 3 Stiffener Axial Load

F st
Fst = 5/3 Pc (FI) - min. of { Pwy , Pwb }

Type
Pc (FI) = 466.51 kips
{ twb }
twb = 3/8”, tfc = 1-1/4”, tplate = 1-1/4”

3 Stif

dc
k = tplate + welds = 1-1/4” + 0 = 1.25” Top Bolted tfb

fene
Pwy = Fy twb ( tfc + tplate + 5 k )

r
= 50(3/8)[ 1-1/4 + 1-1/4 + 5( 1-1/4) ] = 164.06 kips tplate
dc = 60” - 2” = 58”
½
Pwb = 4100 twb ( Fy ) / dc = 187.44 kips

Fst = 5/3 ( 466.51) - 164.44 = 613.08 kips tfc

Pc (FI)

Note: VP Command utilizes the column flange stress to determine the stiffener force where:
Fst = 5/3 Afc [ Mc / Sxc + Pc / Ac ] which is equivalent. For this example:
2 3 2
Afc = 10” x 1-1/4” = 12.5 in , Mc = 23530.6 “-k, Sxc = 897.74 in , Pc = 118.1 k, Ac = 30.81 in
Fst = 5/3 Afc [ Mc / Sxc + Pc / Ac ] = 5/3(12.5)[ 23530.6/897.74 + 118.1/30.81]
Fst = 627 kips > 613 kips ( ok, slightly conservative)

b. Size Type 3 Stiffener for Axial Load

Stiffener is initially sized with a width equal to ½ the flange width less 1/8” and the thickness equal to the
bearing flange thickness .
b s = 12” / 2 - 1/8” = 5-7/8”.
t s = 1-1/4” ( first guess using column flange thickness)

check b/t = 5-7/8” / (1-1/4”) = 4.70 ≤ 95 / ( Fy )

½
ok
Qs = 1.0
stiff.

web ts bs
2 2
As = 2 bs ts + 25 tw = 18.20 in na
2
Ast min. = Fst / Fy = 613 k / 50 ksi = 12.26 in ok tw
3 3 4 bs
Is = ts ( 2 bs +tw ) /12+( 25 tw - ts ) tw / 12 =55.74 in
½
rs = [ Is / As ] = 3.06 in.

hs = 60” 25 t
Effective column length = 0.75 hs = 45”

KL / r = 14.69
Fa ≈ 28.80 ksi ( AISC Table C-50 )
Pa = Fa Ast = 524 kips > .6 ( 613 k ) = 368 kips , O.K.

Per AISC Section K1.8 last paragraph:

[ ( bs + ½ tw ) = 5-7/8” + ½ ( 3/8) = 6.0625” ] > [ bfc / 3 = 10”/3 = 3.33” ] ok
[ ts = 1” ] > [ tfc / 2 = 1¼” / 2 = 0.625” ] ok

Use ( 2 ) 1¼” x 5-7/8” type 3 stiffeners

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and CONNECTIONS CONNECTION
PRACTICES @ HAUNCH

6. Size and Design Type 3 Bearing Stiffeners ( continued )

c. Size Type 3 Stiffener Welds ( welds 5 & 6 ):

Weld 5: Type 3 to web

tw = 3/8”, ts = 1¼”
Minimum fillet weld size required = 5/16” ( 4.64 k / in.)
Base metal shear yielding = 0.4 Fy tw = 7.5 k / in. > 4.64 k / in. ok
Pst per stiffener = 379.72 k / 2 = 189.86 k
Req’d. weld length per stiffener = 189.86 / 4.64 = 41” ( 68% of 60” )

Weld 6: Type 3 to flange

tw = 3/8”, tflange = 1”
Minimum fillet weld size required = 5/16” ( 4.64 k / in.)

Use: F 5/16”- 1 ( weld 5 )

Use: F 5/16”- 1 ( weld 6 )

7. Flange and Flange Special Design

a. Axial Capacity:
na
Flange ( in tension ):
2 2 2
A eq. .flg. = bf tf + 12 tw = 12”(1”) + 12(3/8”) = 13.69 in
web
bflange

Pallow. = 0.6 Fy A eq. flg. .= 411 k < Pb (FO) = 360 k ok

tf

tw
Flange Special ( in tension ):
2 2 2
A eq. .flg. = bf tf + 12 tw = 12”(1”) + 12(3/8”) = 13.69 in
Pallow. = 0.6 Fy A eq. flg. .= 411 k < Pc (FO) = 361 k ok 12 tw

b. Size Flange-to-Web Welds ( welds 1 & 2 ):

tw = 3/8”, tflg. special = tflange = 1”

Minimum fillet weld size required = 5/16” ( 4.64 k / in.)
Base metal shear yielding = 0.4 Fy tw = 7.5 k / in. > 4.64 k / in. ok

Flange: Req’d. weld length at 5/16” fillet = 360 / 4.64 = 77.58”

The rafter flange-to-web weld is a 5/16” single sided CONRAC weld and is extended into the haunch area.
Available weld length is 54.21” which is not adequate. Need an additional 24” of 5/16” weld or 44%.

Use: F 5/16” - 1, add F 5/16” - 1 - 4 - 8” opposite side

Flange Special: Req’d. weld length at 5/16” fillet = 361 / 4.64 = 77.80”
The flange special-to- weld minimum required size is 5/16” fillet. Available weld length is 55.29” which is
not adequate. Need an additional 23” of 5/16” weld or 42%.

Use: F 5/16” - 1, add F 5/16” - 1 - 4 - 8” opposite side

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