BRACING OF STEEL BEAMS IN BRIDGES. FINAL REPORT

The report summarizes the research conducted to evaluate the lateral bracing effect of bridge decks. Design requirements for bracing steel beams to control lateral-torsional buckling are developed. Braces are classified as torsional braces (diaphragms, cross frames) or lateral braces (top chord laterals, bridge decks). Analytical studies were conducted which investigated the effect of brace type,…