LACING SYSTEM

Laced Column (Clause 7.6 IS 800 :2007)

Lacings are the most commonly used lateral system in built–up
compression members. Apart from flat bars other common
sections used are angles, channels and tubular sections. Lacing
may be of two types:-
(a) Single Lacing
(b) Double Lacing

Single Lacing Double Lacing

Failure Modes of Latticed Compression Members

1. Buckling of built-up member as a whole

2. Buckling of main component
3. Distortion of the section
4. Failure of Lattice member

1. Failure as a whole 2. Failure of main component

 Failure Modes of Latticed Compression Members

3. Distortion of Cross section 4. Failure of Lacing

 General requirements
Clause 7.6 of IS: 800-2007
Compression members comprising of two main components
laced & tied should where practicable, have a radius of gyration
about the axis perpendicular to the plane of lacing not less than
the radius of gyration about the axis in the plane of lacing.

Ref: IS 800 :2007

As far as practicable lacing system shall not be varied
throughout the length of the strut.
Single laced system on opposite sides of the components shall
preferably be in the same direction so that one be the shadow of
the other, instead of being mutually opposed in direction.

Face A Face B
Face A Face B
Preferred Not Preferred
Ref: IS 800 :2007
Double lacing system & single lacing system on opposite sides
of the main components shall not be combined with cross
members perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strut
unless all forces resulting from deformation of the strut
members are calculated & provided for in the lacing &
fastenings.

Ref: IS 800 :2007

 Design Specifications
1. Force in lacing:
The lacing of compression members shall be proportioned to
resist a total transverse shear V at any point in the length of the
member equal to at least 2.5% of the axial force in the member,
which shear shall be considered as divided equally among all
transverse lacing systems in parallel planes.

2.5
Thus the total transverse shear force, 𝑉 = ×𝑃
100
Where, P is the axial force in the members
For single lacing system of
two parallel faces the force
on each bar:
𝑉 𝑉
𝐹= =
𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
n = No. of transverse
system in parallel plane

For double lacing:

𝑉
𝐹=
4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Single lacing Double lacing
This force will be tensile in
one lacing bar &
compressive in the other
The slenderness ratio 𝑙𝑒 /𝑟 of the lacing bars should not exceed
145. The effective length of lacing bars should be taken as
follows:-

Types of welding Effective length

Single lacing (bolted at Length between inner end bolts on

ends) lacing bar i.e. (le =l)

Double lacing, (bolted

0.7 times the length between inner end
at ends & at
bolts on lacing bars i.e. (le =0.7l)
intersections)

0.7 time the distance between inner

Welded lacing ends of lengths of welds at ends i.e.
(le =0.7l)
For flat bars of thickness t and width b:
The slenderness ratio will be:
𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑒 12
𝜆= = = =
𝑟 𝐼/𝐴 3
𝑏𝑡 /12 𝑡
𝑏𝑡

𝑙𝑒 12
∴ 𝜆𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 = < 145
𝑡

2. Width of Lacing Bars

In riveted/bolted connection, the minimum width of lacing bars

should be more than three times the nominal diameter of the
end connector.
3. Thickness of Lacing Bars
The minimum thickness of the flat lacing bars should be as
follows:
𝑙
𝑡> for single lacing
40
𝑙
𝑡> for double lacing
60
Where, l is the length between the inner end bolts or welds

4. Angle of Inclination
Lacing bars, whether in double or single systems, shall be
inclined at an angle not less than 400 nor more than 700 to the
axis of the member.
5. Spacing: The maximum spacing of lacing bars should be
such that minimum slenderness ratio will be,

𝐿
𝑐 = 0.7𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
which ever is minimum
= 50
Where, 𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥 is the maximum slenderness ratio of the
compression member as a whole
L = Distance between centers of connections of the
lattice bars to each component
𝑐
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = Minimum radius of gyration of the component
of compression members
6. Attachment to the main members:

The riveting, bolting or welding of the lacing bars to the main

member should be sufficient to transmit the load in the bar.

Welded Connection:
Where welded lacing bars overlap the main members, the
amount of lap measured along either edge of the lacing bar
shall be not less than four times the thickness of the bar or the
members, whichever is less.

The welding should be sufficient to transmit the load in the bar

and shall, in any case, be provided along each side of the bar
for the full length of lap.
Where lacing bars are fitted between the main members, they
shall be connected to each member by fillet welds on each side
of the bar or by full penetration butt welds. The lacing bars shall
be so placed as to be generally opposite the flange or stiffening
elements of the main member.

Bolted connection:
𝐹
For first case, the numbers of bolt, 𝑛 =
𝑅
For second case, the numbers of bolt,
𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 2𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑛= =
𝐵𝑜𝑙𝑡 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑅
Where, F = Force in lacing bar
𝜃 = Inclination
DESIGN OF LACING
SYSTEM
 Design Steps

Step 1: -
Choose the lacing system i.e. either single lacing or double
lacing. Choose the angle of inclination with the axis of the
compression member.

Step 2: -
For a given shape, find out gauge distance g on each side
& find the distance a between the bolt center. Then
compute the spacing
Thus according to the figure,
a = 2g + S
S = Clear spacing

2𝑎
𝐿= For single lacing
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃
𝑎
= For double lacing
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃

𝑎
𝑙= For both single and double lacing
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Step 3: -
Find the slenderness ratio of each component & check for
slenderness ratio
𝐿
𝑐 = 0.7𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
= 50
Step 4: -
Find the length l of each lacing between the inner end bolts
and then find the effective length, le.

For single lacing system (bolted ends), le = l

Double lacing system (bolted ends), le = 0.7l
For welded lacing system, le = 0.7l
 Step 5: -
Select thickness t of lacings consisting of flats.
𝑙
𝑡> for single lacing
40
𝑙
𝑡> for double lacing
60
Step 6: -
Calculate maximum slenderness ratio of lacing and check
whether it is less than 145. For flats,
𝑙𝑒 12
∴ 𝜆𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 = < 145
𝑡

Step 7: -
Calculate the compressive strength

Step 8: -
Calculate transverse shear, V = 0.025P and then force, F in each
lacing.
Step 9: -
Compute developed compressive and tensile stress in lacing
which should be less than the permissible compressive and
tensile stresses.

Step 10: -
Select bolt diameter and then find minimum width, b of the
flats. The no. of bolt required can be found from equation:
𝐹
𝑛=
𝑅

Step 11: -
Design the end connections for lacing system. Check if the
no. of bolts are sufficient to withstand the load in the
member.
Example: Design a laced column 10.5 m long to carry factored
axial load of 1000 kN. The column is restrained in position but not
in direction at both the ends. Provide single lacing system. Use 2
channel section placed as back to back. Assume steel of grade Fe
410 and bolts of grade 4.6.
a) Design the lacing system with bolted connections
b) Design the lacing system with site welded connections.
Solution: The first part of this example is demonstrated in lecture
no. 35 to find size of the of the channel section and spacing. The
size of the sections was ISMC 300 and are placed back to back
with a spacing of 184 mm as shown in the figure below.

Design of lacing system:

Let use a single lacing system with inclination of lacing bar = 45°
Assume gauge length = 50 mm
Spacing of lacing bar, 𝐿0 = 2 × 184 + 50 + 50 𝑐𝑜𝑡45° = 568 mm
𝐿0 /𝑟𝑦𝑦 should be < 0.7 × 𝐿/𝑟 of whole column [cl. 7.6.5.1 of IS
800 :2007]
𝐿0 568
= = 21.76 < 0.7 × 93.35 = 65.34
𝑟𝑦𝑦 26.1
𝐿/𝑟 = 93.35 has been calculated in lecture no. 35
Hence safe.

2.5
Maximum shear, 𝑉 = × 1000 × 103 (cl. 7.6.6.1 IS 800 :2007)
100
= 25000 N
𝑉 25000
Transverse shear in each panel = = = 12500 N
𝑁 2

Compressive force in lacing bars (F) = 𝑉 /𝑁 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐45°

= 12500 × 1.414
= 17675 N = 17.67 kN
Lacing flats:
Let us provide 16 mm diameter bolts
Minimum width of lacing flat (cl. 7.6.2 IS 800 :2007)
= 3 × 16 = 48 mm
Let us provide 50 mm wide flats.
Length of lacing flat (l) = 184 + 50 + 50 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐45° = 401.6=402
mm
Minimum thickness of lacing flat (cl. 7.6.3 IS 800 :2007)
1
= ×length of flat between inner end bolts.
40
1
= × 402
40
= 10.05 mm
Provide 12 mm thick plate with a width of 50 mm.
𝑡 12
Minimum radius of gyration, 𝑟 = = = 3.464 mm
12 12
 402
𝑙/𝑟 of lacing bar = = 116 < 145
3.464
Hence, ok
𝑙
For = 116, 𝑓𝑦 = 250 MPa and buckling class c, the design
𝑟

compressive stress from Table 9c of IS 800 :2007

94.6−83.7
𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 94.6 − × 6 = 88.06 MPa
10

Design compressive strength, 𝑃𝑑 = 𝐴𝑒 𝑓𝑐𝑑

= 12 × 50 × 88.06 × 10−3
= 52.84 kN > 17.67 kN
OK
The tensile strength of flat is minimum of
(cl. 6.2 and 6.3.1 of IS 800: 2007)
𝐵−𝑑ℎ 𝑡𝑓𝑢 (50−18)×12×410
i) 0.9 × = 0.9 × × 10−3 = 113.36 kN
𝛾𝑚1 1.25
and
𝐴𝑔 𝑓𝑦 (50×12)×250
ii) = × 10−3 = 136.363 kN
𝛾𝑚0 1.1

Hence, the tensile strength of the flat is (minimum of 113.36 kN

and 136.36 kN) 113.36 kN > 17.67 kN

Hence, safe.
CONNECTION DESIGN
OF LACING SYSTEM
Example: Design a laced column 10.5 m long to carry factored
axial load of 1000 kN. The column is restrained in position but not
in direction at both the ends. Provide single lacing system. Use 2
channel section placed as back to back. Assume steel of grade Fe
410 and bolts of grade 4.6.
a) Design the lacing system with bolted connections
b) Design the lacing system with site welded connections.
Solution: The first part of this example is demonstrated in lecture
no. 35 to find size of the of the channel section and spacing. The
size of the sections was ISMC 300 and are placed back to back
with a spacing of 184 mm as shown in the figure below.

Design of lacing system:

Let use a single lacing system with inclination of lacing bar = 45°
Assume gauge length = 50 mm
Spacing of lacing bar, 𝐿0 = 2 × 184 + 50 + 50 𝑐𝑜𝑡45° = 568 mm
𝐿0 /𝑟𝑦𝑦 should be < 0.7 × 𝐿/𝑟 of whole column [cl. 7.6.5.1 of IS
800 :2007]
𝐿0 568
= = 21.76 < 0.7 × 93.35 = 65.34
𝑟𝑦𝑦 26.1
𝐿/𝑟 = 93.35 has been calculated in lecture no. 35
Hence safe.

2.5
Maximum shear, 𝑉 = × 1000 × 103 (cl. 7.6.6.1 IS 800 :2007)
100
= 25000 N
𝑉 25000
Transverse shear in each panel = = = 12500 N
𝑁 2

Compressive force in lacing bars = 𝑉 /𝑁 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐45°

= 12500 × 1.414
= 17675 N = 17.67 kN
Lacing flats:
Let us provide 16 mm diameter bolts
Minimum width of lacing flat (cl. 7.6.2 IS 800 :2007)
= 3 × 16 = 48 mm
Let us provide 50 mm wide flats.
Length of lacing flat = 184 + 50 + 50 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐45° = 401.6=402
mm
Minimum thickness of lacing flat (cl. 7.6.3 IS 800 :2007)
1
= ×length of flat between inner end bolts.
40
1
= × 402
40
= 10.05 mm
Provide 12 mm thick plate with a width of 50 mm.
𝑡 12
Minimum radius of gyration, 𝑟 = = = 3.464 mm
12 12
 402
𝑙/𝑟 of lacing bar = = 116 < 145
3.464
Hence, ok
𝑙
For = 116, 𝑓𝑦 = 250 MPa and buckling class c, the design
𝑟

compressive stress from Table 9c of IS 800 :2007

94.6−83.7
𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 94.6 − × 6 = 88.06 MPa
10

Design compressive strength, 𝑃𝑑 = 𝐴𝑒 𝑓𝑐𝑑

= 12 × 50 × 88.06 × 10−3
= 52.84 kN > 17.67 kN
OK
The tensile strength of flat is minimum of
(cl. 6.2 and 6.3.1 of IS 800: 2007)
𝐵−𝑑ℎ 𝑡𝑓𝑢 (50−18)×12×410
i) 0.9 × = 0.9 × × 10−3 = 113.36 kN
𝛾𝑚1 1.25
and
𝐴𝑔 𝑓𝑦 (50×12)×250
ii) = × 10−3 = 136.363 kN
𝛾𝑚0 1.1

Hence, the tensile strength of the flat is (minimum of 113.36 kN

and 136.36 kN) 113.36 kN > 17.67 kN

Hence, safe.
a) Bolted connection (If lacings are not over lapped each other)
Assuming that the 16 mm bolts of grade 4.6 are connecting both
the lacing flats with the channel at one point and that the shear
plane will not pass through the threaded portion of bolt.
Strength of bolt in single shear = 𝐴𝑠𝑏 𝑓𝑢 / 3 /𝛾𝑚𝑏

𝜋×162 400
= × /1.25
4 3

= 37147 N
Minimum pitch, p  2.5 d  2.5  16  40
Minimum end distance, e = 1.5 d0 =1.5×18=27 mm
Provide p=50 mm and e= 30 mm
kb is smaller of 30/(3×18), 50/(3×18)-0.25, 400/410, 1

Kb = 0.56
Strength in bearing = 2.5𝑘𝑏 𝑑𝑡𝑓𝑢 /𝛾𝑚𝑏
410
= 2.5 × 0.56 × 16 × 12 × = 88167 N
1.25
Hence, strength of bolt = 37147 N = 37 kN

No of bolts required = 17.67/37 = 0.5 ≈ 1

Hence, provide one bolt at each end.
b) Bolted connection (If lacings are over lapped each other)
Assuming that the 16 mm bolts of grade 4.6 are connecting both
the lacing flats with the channel at one point and that the shear
plane will not pass through the threaded portion of bolt.
Strength of bolt in double shear = 2 × 𝐴𝑠𝑏 𝑓𝑢 / 3 /𝛾𝑚𝑏
= 74294N
Strength in bearing = 2.5𝑘𝑏 𝑑𝑡𝑓𝑢 /𝛾𝑚𝑏 (let 𝑘𝑏 as 0.49)
410
= 2.5 × 0.56 × 16 × 12 × = 88167N
1.25
Hence, strength of bolt = 74294 N = 74 kN

No of bolts required = 2 × 𝑉 /𝑁 𝑐𝑜𝑡45° =2 × 12500 ×cot45°

=25/37 = 0.7 ≈ 1
Hence, provide one bolt at each end.
Tie plate(cl. 7.7.2.2 IS 800 :2007):
Tie plates are provided at the ends of the laced column.
Effective depth = 184 + 2 × 𝐶𝑦𝑦 > 2𝑏
= 184 + 2 × 23.6 = 231.2 mm > 2 × 90 = 180
Which is all right.
Minimum edge distance for 16 mm diameter bolt
= 1.5 × 16 + 2 = 27 mm, say 30 mm
Overall depth of tie plate = 231.2 + 2 × 30 = 291.2 mm
Provide a tie plate of 300 mm depth.
Length of the tie plate = 𝑠 + 2𝑏 = 184 + 2 × 90 = 364 mm
1
Thickness of the tie plate = 184 + 2 × 50 = 5.68 mm
50
Hence, provide a tie plate of 6 mm thickness.
Provide a tie plate of size 364×300×6 mm at both ends with 16
mm diameter bolts as shown in the figure.
 568 mm
50 ISF 12 mm

ISMC 300

300 mm

184 mm

364 mm

300 mm

Lacing flats and tie plates are connected by bolts (overlapped each other)
b) Welded connection:
Flange thickness of ISMC 300 = 13.6 mm
Minimum size of weld for 13.6 mm thick member = 5 mm [Table
21 IS 800 :2007]
410
Strength of weld/unit length = 0.7 × 5 × = 552.33 N/mm
3×1.5

17670
Required length of weld = = 32 mm
552.33

Adding extra length for ends, the weld length to be provided

= 32 + 2 × 2 × 5 = 52 mm
Provide 100 mm weld length at both ends.
Tie plate:
Overall depth = 184 + 2 × 23.6 = 231.2 mm
Depth provided = 240 mm
Let length of the tie plate = 184 + 2 × 50 = 284 mm
1
Thickness of tie plate = × 284 = 5.68 mm
50

Provide a 8 mm plate to accommodate a 5 mm weld.

Provide a tie plate of size 283×240×8 mm size and connect it
with 5 mm welds as shown in the figure.
 50 ISF 12 mm

ISMC 300

184 mm

283 mm

300 mm

Lacing flats and tie plates are connected by welding

DESIGN OF DOUBLE
LACING SYSTEM
Example: Design a built-up double laced column with four
angles to support an axial load of 800 kN. The column is 14 m
long and both ends are fixed. Assume Fe 410 grade of steel.
Solution:
𝑃 = 800 × 103 N
𝐿𝑒 = 0.65𝐿 = 0.65 × 14 = 9.1 m
Assume a design stress of 150 MPa,
800×103
Required area = = 5333.33 mm2
150
Provide four angles ISA 90×90×8 mm.
The relevant properties of ISA 90×90×8 are (Table III, SP 6-1)
𝐴 = 1379 mm2 𝐶𝑧𝑧 = 𝐶𝑦𝑦 = 25.1 mm
𝑟𝑧𝑧 = 𝑟𝑦𝑦 = 27.5 mm 𝐼𝑧𝑧 = 𝐼𝑦𝑦 = 104.2 × 104 mm4
Area provided = 4 × 1379 = 5516 mm2
800×103
For 5516 mm2, the required 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = = 145.03 MPa
5516

From Table 9c of IS 800 :2007, (for 𝑓𝑦 = 250 MPa)

𝐿
allowable = 74.36
𝑟
Effective length of the laced column = 1.05 × 9.1 = 9.5 m
9.5×103
Required 𝑟 = = 127.76 mm
74.36

Moment of inertia of required section,

𝐼 = 𝐴𝑟 2 = 5516 × 127.762 = 90.03 × 106 mm4
Equating required and provided moment of inertia,
90.03 × 106 = 4 × 104.2 × 104 + 5516 𝑧 2
𝑧 = 124.76 mm
Spacing of angles 𝑆 = 2 × 𝑧 + 𝐶𝑧𝑧
= 2 × 124.76 + 25.1 = 299.72 mm
Therefore, provide 𝑆 = 300 mm
300 2
Now, 𝐼𝑧𝑧 = 𝐼𝑦𝑦 = 4 × 104.2 × 104 + 5516 − 25.1
2
= 90.22 × 106 mm4
90.22×106
𝑟= = 127.9 mm
5516

𝐿 9.5×103
= = 74.28
𝑟 127.9
 𝐿
From Table 9c of IS 800:2007, for = 74.28 and 𝑓𝑦 = 250 MPa
𝑟
152−136
𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 152 − × 4.28 = 145.15 MPa
10
Capacity of the built-up column = 5516 × 145.15 × 10−3
= 800.65 kN > 800 kN
Hence, the column is safe.

Connecting system:
Let us provide a double lacing system with the lacing flats
inclined at 45° . Both are provided at the centre of the leg of
angle.
Spacing of lacing bar, 𝐿0 = 300 − 45 − 45 𝑐𝑜𝑡45°
= 210 mm
 𝐿0 210
= = 7.64 < 50
𝑟𝑦𝑦 27.5
It should also be less than 0.7 × 𝐿/𝑟 = 0.7 × 74.28
= 52 > 7.64

2.5
Shear force, 𝑉 = × 800 × 103 = 20000 N
100
𝑉 20000
Transverse shear in each panel = = = 10000 N
𝑁 2

As double lacing is provided,

𝑉
Compressive force in lacing bar = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃
2𝑁
20000
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐45°
2×2

= 7071.1 N
Section of lacing flat:
Let us provide 20 mm diameter bolts of grade 4.6.
Minimum width of flat = 3 × 20 = 60 mm (cl. 7.6.2, IS 800:2007)
Length of lacing flat = 300 − 45 − 45 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐45° = 297 mm

1
Minimum thickness of the lacing flat = × 297 = 4.95 mm
60
Provide a flat of size 60×6 mm.
𝑡 6
Minimum radius of gyration, 𝑟 = = = 1.73 mm
12 12

𝐿1 0.7×297
Slenderness ratio, = = 120.2 < 145
𝑟 1.73

Hence the flat is safe.

 𝐿1
For = 120.2 and 𝑓𝑦 = 250 MPa (Table 9c, IS 800:2007)
𝑟
83.7−74.3
𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 83.7 − × 0.2 = 83.5 MPa
10

Capacity of lacing bar = 83.5 × 60 × 6 = 30060 N > 7071.1 N

Hence the lacing bar is safe.

The tensile strength of flat is minimum of (cl. 6.2 and 6.3.1 of IS 800:
2007)
𝐵−𝑑𝑕 𝑡𝑓𝑢 (60−22)×6×410
i) 0.9 × = 0.9 × × 10−3 = 67.3 kN
𝛾𝑚1 1.25
and
𝐴𝑔 𝑓𝑦 (60×6)×250
ii) = × 10−3 = 81.82 kN
𝛾𝑚0 1.1

Hence, tensile strength of lacing flat = 67.3 kN > 7.07 kN

Connections:
Strength of 20 mm diameter bolt in double shear (cl. 10.3.3, IS
800:2007)
𝑓𝑢𝑏 400
𝐴𝑛𝑏
3 3
=2× = 2 × 245 × = 90528 N
𝛾𝑚𝑏 1.25

Strength in bearing = 2.5𝑘𝑏 𝑑𝑡𝑓𝑢 /𝛾𝑚𝑏 (cl. 10.3.4, IS 800:2007)

𝑘𝑏 is smaller of
𝑒 35
= = 0.53 ,
3𝑑0 3 × 22
𝑝 50
− 0.25 = − 0.25 = 0.51
3𝑑0 3 × 22
𝑓𝑢𝑏 400
= = 0.98
𝑓𝑢 410

and 1.0
Hence 𝑘𝑏 = 0.51
410
∴ Strength in bearing = 2.5 × 0.51 × 20 × 6 × = 50184 N
1.25

Hence, the strength of bolt = 50184 𝑁 = 50.18 kN

2×7071.1×𝑐𝑜𝑡45°
Number of bolts = = 0.28
50184

Provide one 20 mm diameter bolt.

Tie plate:
Tie plates are to be provided at each end of the built-up column.
Effective depth of tie plate = 300 − 2 × 25.1
= 249.8 mm > 2×90 mm
Overall depth of tie plate = 249.8 + 2 × 𝑒
= 249.8 + 2 × 35 = 319.8 mm
Length of tie plate = 300 mm
1
Thickness of tie plate = × 300 − 45 − 45
50

= 4.2 mm
Provide 300×320×6 mm tie plate and connect it with bolts as
shown in figure.
BATTEN PLATES
 Batten

Batten plates are generally

used for axial load only. It
consists of flats or plates.
Angles, channels & I-sections
are also sometimes used as
battens. It connects the
components of the built-up
columns in two parallel
planes.
 General requirements
Clause 7.7 of IS: 800-2007

Clause 7.7.1.1
Compression members composed of two main
components battened should preferably have their two
main components of the same cross section and
symmetrically disposed about their major axis. Where
practicable, the compression members should have a
radius of gyration about the axis perpendicular to the
plane of the batten not less than the radius of gyration
about the axis in the plane of batten.
Clause 7.7.1.3
The battens shall be placed opposite each other at each end of
the member and points where the member is stayed in its
length and shall, as far as practicable, be spaced and
proportioned uniformly throughout. Number of battens shall
be such that the member is divided into not less than three
bays within its actual length from center to center of
connection.

Effective Slenderness ratio (7.7.1.4)

The effective slenderness ratio of the column is increased by
10% of the actual one.
 Design requirements
Clause 7.7.2 of IS: 800-2007

Forces in batten(Clause 7.7.2.1):

Battens shall be designed to carry bending moment &
shears arising from transverse shear force ‘V’ of 2.5% of
the total axial force on the whole compression member.

2.5
Therefore, the traverse shear, 𝑉 = ×𝑃
100

P is the axial force on the compression member.

Battens shall be of plates, angles, channels, or I-sections and at
their ends shall be bolted or welded to the main components so
as to resist simultaneously
𝑉 𝐶
a longitudinal shear 𝑉𝑏 = along the column axis and
𝑁𝑆

𝑉 𝐶
a moment 𝑀 = at each connection,
2𝑁

Where,
C = Center to center distance of battens longitudinally
N = No of parallel planes of battens
S = minimum transverse distance between the centroid
of the bolt group/welding connecting the batten to
the main member
𝑉 = The traverse shear force
 Batten plates are provided symmetrically.

 Batten plates should be provided at both the ends. They

should be provided at points where the member is
stayed in its length.

 The number of battens should be such that the member

is divided into not less than three bays. They should be
spaced and proportioned uniformly throughout.
Size: (Clause 7.7.2.3 IS 800 :2007)

Batten thickness:
The thickness of the batten (t) or the tie plates should not
be less than 1/50th (one fiftieth) of the distance between
the innermost connecting rivets/bolts or welds.

𝑎𝑖
𝑡𝑚𝑖𝑛 >
50
Where, 𝑎𝑖 = Distance between the innermost
connecting lines of rivets/bolts
or welds perpendicular to main
member
Batten depth:
The effective depth of battens d shall be taken as
distance between end rivets or end welds.

• d > 0.75a for intermediate battens

• d > a for end battens
• d > 2b for any battens

where d = effective depth of the batten

a = centroid distance of members
b = width of member in the plane of batten
Spacing of the batten (Clause 7.7.3 IS 800:2007)

The spacing of the battens (C) be such that the

slenderness ratio of the lesser main component over the
distance is not greater than 50 or 0.7 times the
slenderness ratio of the main member as a whole, about
the axis parallel to the batten

𝐶
𝑐 < 50 𝑜𝑟 0.7𝜆
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
End connections (Clause 7.7.4 ):
Design the end connections to resist the longitudinal shear
force V1 and the moment M as calculated in earlier step.

• For welded connection: Lap > 4t

• Total length of weld at edge of batten >D/2

• Length of weld at each edge of batten < 1/3 total length

of weld required.

• Return weld along transverse axis of column < 4t.

 Design Steps
Step 1: -
2.5
Find the transverse shear 𝑉 = ×𝑃
100
Calculate longitudinal shear along the column axis as
𝑉 𝐶
𝑉𝑙 = and
𝑁𝑆

𝑉 𝐶
Calculate moment at each connection as 𝑀 = ,
2𝑁
Step 2: -
Calculate effective slenderness ratio (λe) as 1.1× λ

Step 3: -
For a given shape, find out gauge distance g on each side
& find the distance a between the bolt center.
Step 4: -
Calculate spacing of the batten plates (C) from the following
conditions:
𝐶
𝑐 < 50 𝑜𝑟 0.7𝜆
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
Minimum 3 nos of batten should be provided along column length.
Step 5: -
Size of end battens:
Effective depth 𝑑 = s + 2 × Cyy and d >2b,
[b is width of member in the plane of batten]
Overall depth (D) = d+2e, e being edge distance
Length of batten = 𝑆 + 2𝑏
Thickness of batten = a/50 where a is the distance between inner
bolt/rivet/weld
Step 6: -
Size of intermediate battens:
3
Effective depth 𝑑 = (s + 2 × Cyy ) and d >2b,
4

[b is width of member in the plane of batten]

Overall depth (D) = d+2e, e being edge distance
Length of batten = 𝑆 + 2𝑏
Thickness of batten = a/50 where a is the distance between inner
bolt/rivet/weld

Step 7: -
Design the end connections for batten system to resist
calculated 𝑉𝑙 and M.