Gusset Plate Details

A gusset plate is a thick sheet of steel used for joining structural steel components. The gusset plate is installed at the intersection of two or more adjacent beams, chords, or columns. It may be fastened to each steel framing member using mechanical fasteners like bolts, or permanent bonds, such as welding. The gusset plates serves as both a method of joining the steel together and of adding strength and support to each joint.

Many steel gusset plate types are of a triangular base shape with any number of clean drilled holes for bolting to bridge and beam supports. Often times, both, bolting and welding are recommended for bridge construction plates. Years ago, riveting was a common method for attaching these specialty plates. Special designs for extreme load bearing gusset plates are rectangular in shape and welded into the corners, fitting underneath one I-Beam while supporting another adjacent beam. Some might refer to these as “stiffeners” rather than gussets. Bridges and Truss Columns are typical civil engineering construction projects requiring numerous gussets and supports.

Uses:

  • Gusset plates are used to connect beams and columns together or to connect truss members.
  • Gusset plates are used in most metal weight bearing structures like bridges.
  • Gusset plates provide an easy way to retrofit structures that can no longer safely support the applied loads.

 

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