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AISC Live Webinar Beam Stability: Lateral and Torsional Bracing
April 27, 2023
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Beam Stability: Lateral and Torsional Bracing

June 1, 2023
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American Institute of Steel Construction 1
April 27, 2023
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Course Description – Submitted for AIA CE Credit
Course Title: Beam Stability: Lateral and Torsional Bracing
June 1, 2023
This lecture will cover design requirements for the bracing of beam systems. Several design examples will
demonstrate the effective use of the AISC Specification Appendix 6 provisions. These examples will include
relative, nodal, and lean-on applications. The uses of the provisions covered in the Specification Appendix as
well as modifications covered in the Specification Commentary will be addressed. The importance of brace
connection details is emphasized. Both building and bridge engineers will find useful information that can be
incorporated into their beam designs.
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Learning Objectives – Submitted for AIA CE Credit
• Describe the purpose of and list the types of beam bracing.
• Describe how AISC Appendix 6 can be utilized to design a bracing system.
• Explain what constitutes a successful bracing system.
• List the factors that impact the lateral beam bracing and torsional beam bracing.
Copyright © 2023
April 27, 2023
Beam Stability: Lateral and Torsional

Bracing
June 1, 2023
Presented by
Todd A. Helwig, PhD, PE
University of Texas at Austin
BEAM BRACING
 Bracing fundamentals (Categories of bracing) and
simple column bracing example
 Beam Lateral Bracing
 Beam Torsional Bracing
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Purposes of Bracing
 Reduce the Effective Length
 Reduce the unbraced length
 Provide overall stability to the system.
Stability bracing often serves multiple purposes. The force

requirements from other sources are generally additive to the
stability induced forces.
9
TYPES OF BRACING
Compression cross
flange frames
brace
diaphragms
a) relative/panel b) discrete/nodal/point
metal
deck
girder
A B
column
siding fastened to
columns A B
c) continuous d) lean-on
10
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11
Displace the Structure Equilibrium in

P D P displaced position:
PD - (bD)L = 0
b (k/in) F = bD PD = (bD)L
L
bD L > PD no sidesway
P P bD L < PD sidesway
bL = Pcr
12
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Ideal Brace Stiffness is minimum

stiffness necessary to force a
perfectly straight column to buckle
between brace points. 13
REAL COLUMNS - Brace Stiffness

DT=Do + D Equilibrium:
Do
D P PDT=(bD)L = bL(DT-Do)
b bD
D ∆
∆ =
L 𝑃
1−
𝛽𝐿
Recall the ideal

No Axial Axial Load
Load Applied stiffness bi = PE/L:
14
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BRACING of IMPERFECT COLUMN (DEFORMATION)

D=Do
1
3b i 2b i
0.8 PE DT
b = bi =
L D P
P 0.6
PE bD
0.4 L
 EI
2
0.2 PE =
L2
0
0 4 8 12 16 20
DT/Do 15
REAL COLUMNS - Brace Strength

DT=Do + D 


  P 
 Do   bL 
Fbr = b - D o = bD o  
D P 
1 -
P   1 - P bL 
 bL   
 
bD
D
For Do=0.002L:
L  
Do = = 0.002 L Fbr  0.002 
=
P  1 - P 
500
Do  bL 
DT =
P
1-
bL If b = 2bi = 2PE/L: Fbr = 0.004P at
Fbr = (bD) = b(DT-Do) P=PE
16
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BRACING of IMPERFECT COLUMN (Brace Force)

1
0.8 2b i Note that the 2%

3b i DT rule that has
PE D P historically been
0.6 b = bi =
L used, is often
P Fbr conservative
0.4 provided the system
PE L has adequate
stiffness!!!
0.2 Do=0.002L
0.4%
0
0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0%
Fbr (% of P)
17
General Bracing Requirements

• Stiffness – Use at least twice the ideal stiffness (Watch out
for connection details since flexibility impacts the bracing
behavior).
• Strength – Brace forces are a direct function of the initial

imperfection in the member.
18
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Appendix 6 Relative/Panel Bracing Provisions

From Section 6.2, Column Bracing, Page 16.1-238, 239 0.005Pr instead of
0.004Pr accounts
for sine curve
imperfection
versus straight
member in
derivation
b
Lbr
P
19
Appendix 6 Relative/Panel Bracing Provisions

From Section 6.2, Column Bracing, Page 16.1-238, 239 2 𝑃
𝛽 =2 4−
𝑛 𝐿
n = number of
intermediate braces.
Provisions
conservatively
assume several.
Lbr b
Lbr
P
20
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Beam Bracing
The simple column bracing problem that we started with demonstrated
that effective bracing requires adequate stiffness and strength. These basic
requirements are also applicable to beam bracing systems. Effective beam
bracing can be achieved by either one of the following methods:
• Lateral Bracing – Brace restrains lateral movement of the

compression flange
• Torsional Bracing – Brace restrains twist of the beam

cross-section
21
Types of Beam Bracing
Lateral Bracing Torsional Bracing

 Relative/Panel
 Discrete/Nodal/Point  Discrete/Nodal/Point
 Continuous  Continuous
 Lean-on  Lean-on
22
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BEAM BRACING
A successful bracing system prevents twist of the cross section
LATERAL BRACING of the compression flange will prevent twist since the tension flange
would prefer to remain straight for simply-supported beams. For beams with inflection
points both flanges must be laterally braced to prevent twist.
TORSIONAL BRACING prevents twist of the cross section at the brace location. The
brace does not need to prevent lateral movement of the cross section to be successful.
An inflection point is not a brace point. Twist of the cross section is not prevented at the
inflection point.
Bracing must have sufficient stiffness and strength
23
Conventional Forms of Lateral Bracing

Buckled Shape – partial bracing
Relative/Panel Bracing
Buckled Shape – full bracing
Plan View
Discrete/Nodal/Point
floor
compression compression
flange joist flange
brace brace
Continuous Metal Deck Forms

(Shear Diaphragm – Provides
Warping Restraint)
24
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Factors That Affect Brace Effectiveness

A) Top Flange Loading B
Center of
Centroidal Brace
Twist
Ineffective
B
Section B-B
B) Cross-Sectional Distortion
Offset Brace C Offset Brace Location
Compression Flange
C Can Move Laterally
Section C-C
25
Effect of Load and Brace Position (FEA Solution)

Load at the Centroid
50
40
Pcr
30 W16x26
(kips) 20’
Top Flange Load Midspan Brace
20
10 Ideal
Stiffness
0
0 4 8 12 16 20
Lateral Brace Stiffness (k/in) 26
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Beams with Inflection Points (FEA Solution)
4000
Mcr Note, moment
gradient impacts
stiffness required.
3000 Consider Cb factor
Mcr Mcr Mcr
(k-in)
2000
1000 W16x26 – 20 ft.
Midspan flg. brace

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Lateral Brace Stiffness (k/in)
27
Lateral Bracing Design Factors
• Number of Braces
• Brace Position
 Place at or near the flange
 Top and bottom braces needed for compression in
both flanges
• Load Position
 Top flange loading is the worst
• Moment Diagram
 Consider the Cb modification factor
28
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Lateral Bracing Requirements – Full Bracing

Top
n – number of intermediate braces 1+(1.2/n) Flange
Doubles ideal stiffness Loading
∗
STIFFNESS: 𝑀
1+ 𝑀
1.0 – panel bracing Double Curvature

4-(2/n) – point bracing
Mr Axial Force in
Mr ho Compression Flange
ho
The basic factors on this slide are
outlined in the Commentary for
Beam Bracing (Pages 16.1-560,561) 29
Simplified Lateral Panel Bracing Requirements

Top
n – number of intermediate braces Take as 2 Flange
Loading
STIFFNESS: 𝑀
1+ 𝑀
1.0 – panel bracing Double Curvature
Twice ideal stiffness

Vbr = bL x Do
Increase 0.008 to 0.01,

similar to column
strength requirements
shown earlier.
30
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Section A6.3.1.1a
Pg. 16.1 - 240
Recall Brace
Force for Column
Panel Bracing
was 0.005Pr
Assumes Top
Flange Loading
w/ CL as 2.0
31
Simplified Lateral Point Bracing Requirements

1+(1.2/n)
4-(2/n) – point bracing
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 Approximately
2𝑁 𝐶 8.8 9.6 9.3 9.1 8.9 8.8 10
32
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Section A6.3.1.1b
Pg. 16.1 - 241
Twice the value for

column point
bracing. Assumes
Top Flange Loading
w/ CL as 2.0
33
Lateral Bracing Design Example
6 ft.
Typical
45 deg.
Consider the construction of a pedestrian walkway. The 4-girder system is comprised of

W27x84 girders and a 6 in. concrete deck. The girders are simply supported with a 60 ft.
span. The factored construction load on each girder is 1 k/ft.
The girders will be stabilized during placement and curing of the deck using cables/rods
anchored to the ground. The cables/rods are 10 ft. long and inclined at a 45 degree angle.
Size the cables/rods to act as a temporary lateral bracing system during the deck placement.
34
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Lateral Bracing Design Example - Continued

W27 x 84 Construction – Wu = 1 k/ft Assume we will need at
least 2 intermediate
X X X X
braces (Lb = 20 ft.)
60′
𝑘
1 60′
X - brace 𝑓𝑡
𝑀 = = 450 𝑘′
𝐶 ~1.0 8
X X X X
Critical Segment, Lb = 20 ft.
Cb will be approximately 1.0
Use the Table 6.2 in AISC manual to evaluate capacity with

two intermediate braces. Lb = 20 ft., and Mu = 450 k-ft.
35
Table 6-2, Page 6-43

Col. Load Tables Beam LTB
W27x84 with Lb = 20 ft.
fMo = 579 k-ft > 450 k-ft = Mu
OK – Two Intermediate Braces

will be adequate
Note: 1 brace at
midspan will not work. 36
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Required Stiffness: Eqn. A-6-8a (pg. 16.1-241)
Mr = 450 k-ft = 5400 k-in
10𝑀 𝐶
𝛽 = Cd = 1.0
𝜙ℎ 𝐿
h0 = d-tf = 26.1 in.
Lb = 20 ft. = 240 in.
45 deg.
f = 0.75
10𝑥5400𝑘"𝑥1.0
𝛽 = = 11.5 𝑘/𝑖𝑛 One Girder
0.75𝑥26.1"𝑥240"
Each girder requires 11.5 k/in; however the “tension-only” cables/rods will need to
stabilize all 4 girders, so the total required stiffness is:
Total lateral stiffness
4 girders x 11.5 k/in = 46 k/in. required for all 4 girders
37

The bracing provisions assume that the
brace is oriented perpendicular to the
compression flange. In our case, the
45 deg.
brace has an angle of 45 degrees. We
need to account for this in the design.
𝐴 𝐸 𝐴 𝑥29000 𝑘
𝛽 = cos 𝜃 = 0.707 = 46 = 𝛽
𝐿 120" 𝑖𝑛
Stiffness is a function For Adequate Stiffness - Required Ab = 0.38 in2

of (cosine)2 of cable
inclination
38
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Required Strength: Eqn. A-6-7 (pg. 16.1-241)
Mr = 450 k-ft = 5400 k-in
𝑀𝐶
𝑃 = 0.02 Cd = 1.0
ℎ h0 = d-tf = 26.1 in.
45 deg. 5400𝑘" 𝑥 1.0

𝑃 = 0.02 = 4.1 𝑘 One Girder
26.1"
Each girder has a brace force of 4.1 k; however the cables will need to stabilize all 4
girders, so the total brace force is:
Total brace force
4 girders x 4.1 k = 16.6 k required for all 4 girders
39

Required Strength: Eqn. A-6-7 (pg. 16.1-241)
The bracing provisions assume that the
brace is oriented perpendicular to the
compression flange. In our case, the brace
45 deg.
has an angle of 45 degrees. We need to
account for this in the design. Assume we
have a material yield strength of 50 ksi.
Stiffness
𝐹 = 𝐴 𝜙𝐹 cos 𝜃 = 𝐴 0.9𝑥50𝑘𝑠𝑖 𝑥0.707 = 16.6 𝑘 = 𝑃
Requirement
Strength is a For Adequate Strength - Required Ab = 0.52 in2>0.38in2

function of cosine Strength Controls – Use 13/16” or 7/8” diameter cable/rod
of cable inclination
40
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General Notes on Lateral Bracing Design Example

In our example, I assumed that the deck formwork was capable of transferring axial tension
across the width of the system and the continuous distribution of formwork was essentially
infinitely stiff compared to the cable/rod. This requires a suitable connection between the
girder flange and the forms. In cases where such a connection doesn’t exist we would need
to provide struts – such as a single angle connected to the flange or web stiffeners. In this
case, we would need to consider the axial stiffness of those angles in conjunction with the
cables. In such a case, the combined stiffness of the cable/rod and struts would be based
upon the classic expression for springs in series. The girder that is critical will be the
furthest girder from the tension brace, and moving the cable/rod inward will minimize this
distance. n = number of
1 1 𝑛 angles to edge
= +
𝛽 𝛽 𝛽 of system
Lateral stiffness Axial stiffness of
Angles of inclined rod one angle (AE/s)
bolted to (same as
45 deg. stiffener example)
41

• As concrete is placed the steel girders will deflect
and the cables/rods can sag making them
ineffective. A turnbuckle or other means needs to
be utilized to make sure the cables/rods do not go
slack. The turn buckles will periodically be
Turnbuckle adjusted.
45 deg. • Consider how the problem would have been
changed if the cable was 20 – 30 ft long (or longer)
versus the 10 ft. length in our problem. How is the
stiffness impacted? How is the strength impacted?
• Be careful with long cables!!!
42
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• For cases with longer spans and larger spacings
between lateral support of the tension flange,
excessive torsional flexibility can result.
• In such cases, adding cables/rods to both top and
bottom flanges is desirable.
Turnbuckle • Bottom struts are shown in this case to lean the
45 deg. other girders off of the bottom flange brace. In
many situations, some form of strut is used for
blocking on the bottom flange to accommodate
the forces from the overhang bracket.
43
Torsional Bracing of Beams
Diaphragms Cross-Frames Through-Girders
The fundamental concept with torsional bracing is:
The beam or girder is fully braced at a location if

twist is prevented.
44
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Brace Stiffness and Strength Requirements

AISC Specification Appendix 6 Bracing Provisions:
Stiffness: Eqn. A-6-11a

Pg. 16.1-242
Strength (Use Commentary Eqn. C-A-6-11):

ho
45
System Stiffness of Torsional Bracing

From a stiffness perspective, there are a
number of factors that impact the
effectiveness of beam torsional bracing.
• Brace Stiffness, bTb: the stiffness of the brace itself is a
function of the layout of the cross-frame or diaphragm.
• Cross-Sectional Distortion, bsec : distortion of the cross-section
can render a system totally ineffective.
• In-Plane Stiffness of the Girder System bg : cross-frames
restrain the girders by linking adjacent girders and the in-
plane stiffness can be important in some geometries.
46
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Brace Stiffness Analytical Formulas

Modeling the Cross Frame as a Truss (S is girder spacing, hb is depth of brace):
• Tension-only System
F F 𝑀 𝐸𝑆 ℎ
𝛽 = =
𝜃 2𝐿 𝑆 Z-Frames
F AH , S F +
𝐴 𝐴
• Tension-Compression System
F F 𝐴 𝐸𝑆 ℎ
𝛽 = X-Frames
F F 𝐿
• K-Frame System
2𝐸𝑆 ℎ
F F 𝛽 =
8𝐿 𝑆 K-Frames
F F +
𝐴 𝐴 47
Diaphragm Brace Stiffness

Diaphragms Through-Girder
Diaphragm
System
centroidal axis
Ib located at or
above midheight
Ib
S S
q q q
q
6𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
𝛽 = 𝛽 =
𝑆 𝑆
48
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Additional Stiffness Components

bsec – Cross Sectional Distortion
bg – in-plane Stiffness of Girder
49
49
Cross-Sectional Distortion
50
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51
52
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53
Understanding Cross Sectional Distortion, bsec
Will distort significantly Will not distort much
• Cross-Sectional Distortion: depending on the region of the

web outside of the depth of the brace, cross-sectional
distortion can be significant.
• We can control distortion by providing a web stiffener to
increase the bending stiffness of the web.
54
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Cross Sectional Distortion, bsec

N
tw
bs
h N+1.5h
ts
Effective Web Width for Distortion
AISC Eqn. A-6-12

Pg. 16.1-242
55
Girder In-Plane Stiffness (Not in AISC)
Mbr
Mbr D
S
Wider System:
Smaller Shear and
S S S Stiffer System
56
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Girder In-Plane Stiffness (Not in AISC)

The in-plane girder stiffness is a function of the stiffness of
the individual girders as well as the number of girders
across the width of the system:
L
S S S
ng Ng
2 12
3 32
4 54
5 L 77 S 57
Total Brace Stiffness

As noted earlier, the total brace stiffness is a function of several
components. The system torsional brace stiffness is governed by the
following expression: 1 1 1 1
= + +
𝛽 𝛽 𝛽 𝛽
bT = Total System Stiffness

bTb = Stiffness of cross frame/brace
bSec = Effect of cross sectional distortion
bg = In-plate stiffness of effect of girder system
Note: bT will be less than smallest of bTb, bsec, or bg
58
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In Design, bT Req’d is App. 6 Stiffness Requirement
bT Req’d = Total Required System Stiffness (App. 6 Equation)

bTb = Stiffness of cross frame/brace
bSec = Effect of cross sectional distortion
bg = In-plate stiffness of effect of girder system
What Happens if the above expression isn’t satisfied?

Let’s look at the case when bg < bT Req’d?
59
Inadequate In-Plane Stiffness– Bridge Widening

Twin Girder
bridge
widening
L~170 ft.
S~8 ft.
Assumed
“Lb” = 17 ft.
60
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System Buckling of Narrow Steel Units
Girder
Bottom
Flange
10″
Plumb Line Dropped
from Top Flange:
Lateral Deformation =
10 inches 61
61
System Buckling of Narrow I-

Girder Systems
(Related to Inadequate In-Plane
Girder Stiffness)
62
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History of System Buckling Mode

• Marcy Pedestrian Bridge (2002) – consisted of a single
box girder with no top lateral truss.
• Girder had closely spaced internal K-frames (behaved
very similar to a twin I-girder system)
Tub behaved similar to twin I-girders
Marcy tub girder failed due to buckling 63
Marcy Pedestrian Bridge, 2002
Span: 170 ft.
64
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Photo Courtesy of
Brian Kozy
(HDR/FHWA/MBA)
Contractor concerns about

excessive lateral flexibility
3 Span Continuous Girders(135.5′-184.7′-203.9′)

65

A
A
y
x x System cross section A-A

y
s
As the girders get closer together, the system behaves like a

“single girder” that has 2Iy, 2J, etc. (buckling mode not
sensitive to cross frame spacing – or size). 66
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y
Yura, J., Helwig, T.A., Herman,
x x
R., and Zhou, C., “Global
Lateral Buckling of I-Shaped
Girder Systems,” ASCE, JSE
y (2008).
S
2𝜋 𝜋 𝐸 𝐼 𝐼 ℎ +𝐼 𝑆
𝑀 = 𝐸𝐼 𝐺𝐽 + (exact)
𝐿 4𝐿
𝜋 𝑆𝐸
𝑀 = 𝐼 𝐼 (simple)
𝐿
67

y
Increasing the girder spacing
x x does increase the buckling
capacity (buckling stress)
y
S
Analysis Type Girder Spacing S (in.)
Eigenvalue 80 110 150
Buckling ANSYS 21.3 ksi 28.6 ksi 38.7 ksi
Analysis Exact 21.4 ksi 28.7 ksi 39.2 ksi
Simple 20.7 ksi 28.2 ksi 38.8 ksi
68
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AASHTO Equation for System Buckling of Narrow I-
Girder Units (2015 interim specification):
To avoid excessive 2nd order deformations during deck

placement, total factored positive girder moment limited
to 50% of Mgs.
69

Han and Helwig 2017
AASHTO Equation for System Buckling of Narrow I-
Girder Units (2017 specification): Limit raised from 50%
to 70%.
Cbs is a moment gradient factor for the system buckling mode

Simply supported or partially erected continuous sys.: Cbs = 1.1
Continuous Systems: Cbs = 2.0
70
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Torsional Bracing Design Example
6 ft.
Typical
Consider the identical bridge in the lateral bracing problem, which consists of construction
of a pedestrian walk way. The 4-girder system is comprised of W27x84 girders and a 6 in.
concrete deck. The factored construction load on each girder is 1 k/ft.
Design a torsional bracing system consisting of a channel diaphragm to stabilize the girders
during the deck placement and curing.
71
Torsional Bracing Design Example - Continued

From Previous Construction – Wu = 1 k/ft Assume we will need at
Lateral Bracing
least 2 intermediate
Design Example X X X X
braces (Lb = 20 ft.)
W27 x 84 60′
𝑘
1 60′
X - brace 𝑓𝑡
𝑀 = = 450 𝑘′
𝐶 ~1.0 8
X X X X
Iy = 106 in4 Critical Segment, Lb = 20 ft.
Ix= 2850 in4 Cb will be approximately 1.0
Use the Table 6.2 in AISC manual to evaluate capacity with

two intermediate braces. Lb = 20 ft., and Mu = 450 k-ft.
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A channel diaphragm will be used for the brace. Assume stiffness will control the brace
size and check strength after the required channel size is selected.
Mr = 450 k-ft = 5400 k-in n=2
2.4𝐿𝑀 f = 0.75
𝛽 = Cb = 1.0
𝜙𝑛𝐸𝐼 𝐶 L = 60 ft. = 720 in. Iy = 106 in4
2.4𝑥720"𝑥 5400𝑘"
𝛽 , = = 10,930𝑘"/𝑟𝑎𝑑
0.75𝑥2𝑥29000𝑘𝑠𝑖 𝑥 106 𝑖𝑛 1.0
6𝐸𝐼 6 29000 𝐼 Minimum Required

𝛽 , = = = 10,930𝑘"/𝑟𝑎𝑑 Ix = 4.5 in4
𝑆 6 𝑥12"/′
73

If we had infinite stiffness for bg and bsec, we could get
by with a channel that only has Ix = 4.5 in4. We
obviously do not have that. Instead we will pick a
channel with an Ix>>4.5 in4, compute the in-plane
stiffness of the girders, and we can then determine
what size stiffener we need to control the cross-
sectional distortion.
Try a C10x15.3, with Ix = 67.3 in4
6𝐸𝐼 6 29000 𝑥67.3𝑖𝑛

𝛽 = = = 162,640𝑘/rad≫10,930k/𝑟𝑎𝑑
𝑆 6 𝑥12"/′
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April 27, 2023

In-Plane Girder Stiffness, bg:
24 𝑛 − 1 24 4 − 1
𝑁 = = = 54
𝑛 4
𝑁 𝑆 𝐸𝐼 Ng = 54 Ix = 2850 in4
𝛽 = S = 6′=72 L = 60 ft. = 720 in.
𝐿
54 72" 29000𝑘𝑠𝑖 2850𝑖𝑛

𝛽 = = 62,000𝑘"/𝑟𝑎𝑑
720
75

We have determined bb and bg, we now have to
determine the size of stiffener required to control
cross-sectional distortion.
Total System Stiffness:
bT,req’d = 10,930 k/rad
1 1 1 1
= + + bb = 162,640 k/rad
𝛽 𝛽 𝛽 𝛽
bg = 62,000 k/rad
1 1 1 1 1
= = + +
𝛽 , 10,930 162,640 62,000 𝛽
bsec > 14,450 k-in/rad

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ho = distance between flg. centroids
bsec > 14,450 k-in/rad
We will use a 0.5” thick stiffener. For 7.7”
W27x84, tw = 0.46” and h = 25.4”. 10” 25.4”
ho = 26.1”
3.3𝐸 𝑡 𝑡𝑏 7.7”
𝛽 = 𝑁 + 1.5ℎ +
ℎ 12 12
3.3 29000 0.46" 0.5" 𝑏

𝛽 = 0" + 1.5 25.4" + = 14,450𝑘"/𝑟𝑎𝑑
25.4" 12 12
Required bs >4.40” to control cross-sectional distortion. Flange width

of W27x84 is 10 inches and web thickness is 0.46”. Use 4.5” stiffener
and edge of stiffener will be inside of flange. (10”-0.46”)/2 = 4.77”.
77

Check Strength Requirements to see if C10x15.3 will satisfy the stability
bracing requirements.
Required Strength: Eqn. CA-6-11 (pg. 16.1-563)
Mr = 5400 k-in Iy = 106 in4 Lb = 240”
2.4𝐿𝑀 𝐿
𝑀 =𝛽 𝜃 = Cb = 1.0 n=2
𝑛𝐸𝐼 𝐶 500ℎ L = 720 in. ho = 26.1”
2.4𝑥720"𝑥 5400𝑘" 240"

𝑀 = = 151 𝑘 − 𝑖𝑛
2𝑥29000𝑘𝑠𝑖 𝑥 106 𝑖𝑛 1.0 500 26.1"
Determine required channel section modulus to keep elastic (Use Fy = 50 ksi):
𝑀 = 150 𝑘" < 0.9𝑥(50𝑘𝑠𝑖)𝑆𝑥
Required Sx = 3.4 in3 << 13.5 in3 for C10x15.3. Strength not a problem.
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Torsional Bracing Design Summary
6 ft.
Typical 4.5” x 0.5”PL
Bracing Design Summary:

7.7”
Provide two intermediate bracing lines 20
ft. from each support (Lb = 20 ft.). 25.4” C10x15.3 10”
Bracing Size: C10x 15.3 7.7”

Web Stiffener: 4.5” x 0.5”
79
Beams Continuous over

the Tops of Columns
80
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Beams Continuous Over the Tops of Columns

Designers commonly encounter
situations where beams are
continuous over the tops of
columns. Improper detailing
can result in extremely
dangerous systems that are
susceptible to failure due to
amplification of the applied
loads.
Photo Courtesy of Joe Yura 81
Photo Courtesy of Joe Yura 82
Copyright © 2023
April 27, 2023
Photo Courtesy of Matthew

Trammel – Trammel
Engineering Group (failure
investigation following
snow storm).
83
Photo Courtesy of Matthew Trammel – Trammel Engineering Group 84
Copyright © 2023
April 27, 2023
Photo Courtesy of Matthew Trammel – Trammel Engineering Group 85

Lateral
A
Brace
X X X X X X X
5’
25’
Elevation Section
A-A
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April 27, 2023

P P
V
5’ 𝑃∆
D D = lateral 𝑉=
movement of
D P 5
column and bottom
beam flange D P 𝑃∆
𝑉=
Buckled 5
Position of
Column 𝑃Δ
Σ𝑀 = 0: PΔ + 25 = 𝑀
25’ 5
𝑀 = 6𝑃Δ
Buckled Shape
of Column and V 𝑀 = 6𝑃∆
Beam
P 87
Provide a detail that stops Kicker from joist

lateral movement of the top of
the column – or significantly
stiffens that beam/column
joint.
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89
Summary
• A simple column bracing problem was utilized to demonstrate that

effective bracing must satisfy both stiffness and strength requirements.
• The factor impacting lateral beam bracing and torsional beam bracing
were discussed and the AISC Appendix 6 requirements were presented.
• A design example was presented demonstrating the application of both

the lateral and torsional beam bracing provision. Some additional factors
were also covered.
• Be careful with continuous beam details over the tops of columns.
90
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April 27, 2023
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• Log in to the AISC Learning Portal at learning.aisc.org to access the survey
and certificate for this webinar.
• Certificates are awarded based on AISC’s attendance record.
• Certificates are available approximately 2 hours after the completion of the

live webinar.
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April 27, 2023
CEU / PDH Certificates

For those participating at one connection with a group…
• Main registrant will be prompted to report group participants’ attendance by
an email coming from registration@aisc.org.
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AISC Live Webinar Beam Stability: Lateral and Torsional Bracing

April 27, 2023

AISC Live Webinars

Beam Stability: Lateral and Torsional Bracing

AISC Live Webinars

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AISC Live Webinars

AISC Live Webinars

• Describe how AISC Appendix 6 can be utilized to design a bracing system.

• Explain what constitutes a successful bracing system.

Beam Stability: Lateral and Torsional

 Beam Lateral Bracing

 Beam Torsional Bracing

 Reduce the unbraced length

 Provide overall stability to the system.

Stability bracing often serves multiple purposes. The force

Displace the Structure Equilibrium in

Ideal Brace Stiffness is minimum

REAL COLUMNS - Brace Stiffness

Recall the ideal

BRACING of IMPERFECT COLUMN (DEFORMATION)

REAL COLUMNS - Brace Strength

BRACING of IMPERFECT COLUMN (Brace Force)

0.8 2b i Note that the 2%

0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0%

General Bracing Requirements

• Strength – Brace forces are a direct function of the initial

Appendix 6 Relative/Panel Bracing Provisions

Appendix 6 Relative/Panel Bracing Provisions

• Lateral Bracing – Brace restrains lateral movement of the

• Torsional Bracing – Brace restrains twist of the beam

Types of Beam Bracing

Lateral Bracing Torsional Bracing

Conventional Forms of Lateral Bracing

Continuous Metal Deck Forms

Factors That Affect Brace Effectiveness

Effect of Load and Brace Position (FEA Solution)

Beams with Inflection Points (FEA Solution)

1000 W16x26 – 20 ft.

Midspan flg. brace

Lateral Bracing Design Factors

 Top and bottom braces needed for compression in

Lateral Bracing Requirements – Full Bracing

1.0 – panel bracing Double Curvature

Simplified Lateral Panel Bracing Requirements

1.0 – panel bracing Double Curvature

Twice ideal stiffness

Increase 0.008 to 0.01,

Lateral Bracing Requirements – Full Bracing

Simplified Lateral Point Bracing Requirements

4-(2/n) – point bracing

Lateral Bracing Requirements – Full Bracing

Twice the value for

Lateral Bracing Design Example

Consider the construction of a pedestrian walkway. The 4-girder system is comprised of

Lateral Bracing Design Example - Continued

Use the Table 6.2 in AISC manual to evaluate capacity with

Table 6-2, Page 6-43