Gusset Plates: The Evolution of Simplified Design Models (PDH)

Presented by: Bo Dowswell PE, PhD

In the design of steel structures, each member is isolated and evaluated using the appropriate requirements from the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. Similarly, gusset plate connections can be complex structural systems that are separated into several elements for design purposes. The behavior of these gusset plate elements can be captured with simple design models, where portions of the plate are treated as structural members with well-documented and predictable behavior. This presentation will provide a brief history of gusset plate design methods and discuss their evolution over the last century. We’ll examine current design provisions, where column and beam models are used to predict the strength of gusset plates in various configurations, including wrap-around gusset plates. The presentation will conclude with a preview of a new method to predict the compression strength of gusset plates using notional loads.

This course is based on a past AISC Live Webinar.

You must view the video and pass the quiz to receive a PDH certificate for this course.

If you do not need continuing education credit, you can view the content here for free.