Richard Vincent presents a cost-effective bracing solution at an international workshop

Richard Vincent, vice president of Research at Canam Group, presented an attractive solution to reduce vertical bracing costs at Connections VI: Sixth International Workshop on Connections in Steel Structures, which took place in Chicago, IL, last June. The cost-effective solution is described in his paper entitled Minimizing the Strength of Bracing Connections, which was submitted for discussion in the scope of the American Institute of Steel Construction-sponsored workshop.

In his paper, Vincent predicts a significant cost savings if a shop-fabricated fuse is introduced in vertical bracing members. The fuse, which reduces the members’ tensile resistance without reducing their compressive resistance, decreases the amount of steel used in projects requiring Seismic Force Resisting Systems (SFRS). The estimated cost savings were based on a scenario incorporating fuses in the Citi Field project that was completed by Structal-Heavy Steel Construction, a business unit of Canam Group. The fuse concept is slated to be tested in the near future at several North American universities.

Mr. Vincent’s paper is currently available for consultation in the Technical Publications section of the Structal-Heavy Steel Construction web site.