ABSTRACT
Diagonal bracings are extremely popular elements for lateral load resistance in steel-framed buildings. In turn, the most common shape used for bracing members is the hollow structural section. While the design of such members is straight-forward, the design of gusset-plate connections at the member ends is controversial and the fabrication of these connections can be expensive. This paper reviews the current “state-of-the-art” for the design of such connections, under both static and seismic loading conditions, and for fabricated and cast connections.
