Designing Compact Gussets with the Uniform Force Method

The Uniform Force Method (UFM) is the preferred method given for determining the forces that exist at gusset interfaces. The UFM provides a standardized way to obtain economical, statically admissible force distributions for vertical bracing connections. One criticism of the method is that it sometimes results in oddly shaped or disproportionately large gusset plates. To overcome this perceived limitation of the UFM, designers have been seeking out alternate methods. This paper demonstrates that removing one unnecessary geometrical constraint from the formulation of the UFM will allow greater freedom in gusset geometry, while maintaining the efficiencies that result from the method. A new formulation of the UFM is presented, and the strengths and weaknesses of other proposed design methods are also explored.