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Figure 01 - Rigid Diagonals on Flange

Figure 02 - Rigid Diagonals Modeled Incorrectly on Flange

Figure 03 - Hinged Diagonals on Flange

Figure 04 - Rigid diagonals on Flange with Vertical Between Flanges

Figure 05 - Rigid Diagonals on Flange with Vertical Flange on Right Flange

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FAQ 003368 EN

31 July 2019

Thomas Günthel Modeling | Structure RFEM RSTAB Steel Structures Towers and Masts Structural Analysis & Design Eurocode 3

The upper and lower flanges must be butted over a column, but the verticals and diagonals are connected to the flanges.
How do I arrange the hinges?

Answer

If the flanges are not continuous and the diagonals are fastened to the flanges, it may be necessary to insert an intermediate member.

Figure 1 shows a system where the flange is not continuous but the diagonals are rigidly connected to the flange. To transfer the diagonal moments to the flange, the diagonal must arrive in the flange before the impact, otherwise the moment of the diagonal will be transferred to the opposite member (see Figure 2).

If the diagonals are also connected by hinges, you can do without the intermediate member. Please note that at least one member is not hinged so that the connection node can not rotate freely (see Figure 3).

If a vertical is used, it must either be connected to one of the two flanges or between both flanges. In both cases, the model from Figure 1 is suitable and has to be modified accordingly. Figure 4 shows the model with a vertical between the flanges and Figure 5 shows the variant with the vertical on the right flange.