Discrete Bracing Displacement Compatibility Solutions for Cold-Formed C- and Z-sections in Flexure and Torsion

摘要

A method is presented for calculating discrete brace forces in cold formed C- and Z- sections based on lateral and torsion displacement compatibility of the sections. By eliminating pure torsion, the calculation of brace forces is simplified with minimal loss in precision. The method also describes in detail the process to calculate the brace forces at the support locations which are commonly incorrectly applied. To facilitate the use of the method, summary tables are provided for many common brace and load combinations.