Example of K-Brace Forces Under Lateral (Seismic) Load

By John-Michael Wong, July 2003

Illustrations by Scott Reitherman

In this example our truss is required to

resist a 5,000 lb horizontal force from the
2nd floor, and a 10,000 lb force from the
roof level. The loads are shown acting to
the right, but the reverse orientation would
also have to be analyzed.
Truss Analysis Assumptions:
All joints are pinned and do not
resist any moments. This is a
reasonable assumption for wood
member connections.
Loads are only applied at the
joints.
Truss members experience axial
forces only.

Because the truss is not supposed to move bodily (otherwise it would not be laterally supporting
the building), we can decompose forces into their orthogonal components:
x (horizontal) and
y (vertical) directions
then ensure that the x forces cancel out at a given joint, and likewise for the y forces
Fx = 0
Fy = 0

(sum of horizontal forces must be zero)

(sum of vertical forces must be zero)

Similarly, the truss cannot be allowed to rotate or tip over, so moment equilibrium must also be
satisfied.
M=0

1/4

Applying the equilibrium equations, we can solve for the

foundation reaction forces on the K-brace.

We will take the sum of the moments about

point E.

ME = 0
= -(10000) (30) + (-5000) (15) + (Ray) (15)
RAy = 25,000 lb
RAy = 25 k

A negative sign indicates a clockwise moment. Now we can solve the other forces with our
other two equilibrium equations. We know that there can be no horizontal reaction at point A
because there is only a vertical, pin-jointed member connecting to it.

Fx = 10000 + 5000 REx = 0

REx = 15000 lb
REx = 15 k
Fy = -25000 + REy = 0
REy = 25000 lb
REy = 25 k

With all of the loads and reactions acting on the truss

known, we can now find the internal forces in the
structure. This is accomplished by solving for force
equilibrium at each of the individual joints.

2/4

Truss members can be either in Compression or in Tension. In compression, the member resists
a force that pushes against it. In tension, the member resists a force that pulls it. The diagrams
below illustrate the applied forces (black arrows) and internal reaction forces from the member.
Compression Member

Tension Member
Each reaction force acts in the opposite direction as the applied load. If we analyze each joint
individually (the method of joints), we ca0n solve for the internal forces by force equilibrium.
We will look at Joints C and E as examples.
Joint C has only vertical and horizontal members
connecting to it. Because there is no vertical load,
member BC carries no load.
Fx = 10 - CD = 0
CD = 10 k (C)
Fy = BC = 0
BC = 0 k

Joint E has a vertical and a diagonal member connecting to it.

Diagonal truss members have force components in the
horizontal and vertical directions.
Fx = -15 + BE (cos 45) = 0
BE = 15 / sin 45
BE = 21.2 k (C)
Fy = 25 DE BE (sin 45) = 0
DE = 10 k (C)

3/4

Solving for the other joints with unknown forces

yields the complete solution. Compression members
are shown in blue, tension members in red.

Internal Forces in all Members

Current seismic design codes discourage or prohibit

K-brace configurations. While it is a logical layout
as long as the system remains elastic, if a brace
behaves inelastically, undesirable horizontal loads
can be transferred to a column. If BE buckles, joint
B the top of column BA is allowed to displace to
the right. Similarly, if BD stretches excessively,
joint B is displaced sideways. This P-delta effect
decreases the capacity of the column and may cause
it to buckle under gravity load.

P-Delta Effect
4/4