I still find many people asking what the best methods are for adding bracing to steel models, some are still using beams to try and model bracing, others still get into a bit of a mess with vertical bracing, more struggle with the representation on drawings.
I thought it was about time I created a tutorial on this subject, covering both horizontal and vertical bracing as well as some typical connections for adding those all-important details.
So first we need to look at some of the basics. In the images below, you can see Vertical, Horizontal and Roof Bracing.
Creating Vertical Bracing
When creating vertical bracing it is best to create a framing elevation. The framing elevation creates an elevation on the frame a few hundred millimetres deep and sets a working plane for the bracing.
You must use the dedicated brace command to efficiently add bracing.
You can roughly sketch the bracing that you require and then use the Properties Palette to fine tune the exact location of the bracing.
In the example below, you can see some vertical X-bracing, note that the start and end attachments are attached to the correct levels and you also have the option of adding offsets from each of these levels.
In this example we have used Equal Angle to create the bracing. Both angles are in the same plane and hence clash.
This can easily be resolved by using the y Offset Value on each member. The analytical line remains centred, but the physical elements will be located correctly.
The bracing is automatically represented in a plan view and can be tagged. The standard in the UK is to show a parallel line on the outside for bracing above and a parallel line on the inside for bracing below.
You can control the type of representation and spacing in the Structural Settings dialog box.
Finally, if you want to tidy up the bracing and make the drawings look a little better you can either use 2D detail components to represent a connection or use the connection tools to add 3D connections.
LawrenceH
Autodesk Revit Structure 