X-Braced Bent Analysis for Lateral Loads (2 Story Buildings)

For 2-Story Bent
Assuming Fully Braced, Tension-Only System

Forces and Reactions:

 ft
 k
 ft Brace L2 =
 k
 ft Brace L1 =
 k

Member Force Sign Convention:
+ = Compression
- = Tension
Vertical Reaction Sign Convention:
Upward = Compression
Downward = Tension (Uplift)

Input Data for Drift Analysis:

Member Data
Designation Length Area
  (ft.) (in.^2)
Left Column LC1
  LC2
Right Column RC1
  RC2
Beams HB1
  HB2
Braces DB1
  DB2
 
Mod. of Elasticity, E =  ksi

Nomenclature:
LC = Left Column Segment
RC = Right Column Segment
HB = Horizontal Beam
DB = Diagonal Brace

Note: Column segments, beams,and braces are numbered from bottom to top, same as stories.

Results:

Note: Results are for joints at left side of bent, with all members (segments) assumed pinned at both ends.

Drift Analysis
Story Total Drift Drift Ratio Story Drift Drift Ratio
Number Δt (in.) (Total) Δs (in.) (per Story)
Story 1
Story 2

Note: Ht = total height of bent (base to top story).
        Hs = total height from base to story considered.

 
Check of Base Reactions:
VL =   k VL = P2+P1+P(bot)
RR = -RL =   k RR = -RL = (P2*Ht+P1*h1)/L
 
Shape Size Area (in.^2)
W Shape
C Shape
Single-Angle
Double-Angle
WT Shape
Rect. HSS
Round HSS
Pipe
Rod

 

Disclaimer: This calculator is not intended to be used for the design of actual structures, but only for schematic (preliminary) understanding of structural design principals. For the design of an actual structure, a competent professional should be consulted.

‘Calculations courtesy of Alex Tomanovich, PE ’