The Effect of Eccentricity on Brace-to-gusset Angles

Claw angles are used in many bracing connections as shown in Figure 1. Normally these angles and their connections are designed for direct load only without consideration of the fact that the connections are to opposite legs of the angles and of the eccentricities thereby induced. It is the purpose of this note to demonstrate that this practice is generally acceptable, and to produce some guidance as to when it is not.