February 17, 2015

(Chicago, IL) - Design professionals now have a valuable new resource for vertical bracing connections. AISC Design Guide 29, Vertical Bracing Connections -- Analysis and Design, co-authored by Larry S. Muir, P.E., of AISC and William A. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E., of Cives Steel Corporation, Roswell, Ga., provides a comprehensive approach to the design of common bracing systems based on structural principles.

“Bracing connections have always appeared more complex than they really are,” said Charlie Carter, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., AISC’s vice president and chief structural engineer. “This design guide goes a long way towards demystifying these connections for the design community.”

Using the lower bound theorem of limit analysis and the uniform force method, the guide addresses: brace-to-gusset connections, orthogonal and nonorthogonal connections, chevron or K-bracing, eccentric braces, connections at column base plates, both non-seismic and seismic conditions, and gusset plate stability. The guide also includes more than a dozen extensive, complete design examples with every applicable limit state addressed.

Both printed and downloadable PDF copies of Design Guide 29 are available via www.aisc.org/dg. The PDF download is free for AISC members and can be purchased at a price of $60 for non-members. The printed copy is available for purchase online or by calling 1.800.644.2400 or 1.708.587.4177; the cost for the printed copy is $40 for members and $80 for non-members.