Flange bracing

Description

This script creates a structural part that models a flange bracing. This structural part braces the beam's lower flange against out-of-plane bukcling by connecting it to the purlin above the beam. The script creates a smart link connecting the reference line of the beam to the middle of its lower flange, and an L cross-section, tension only element bracing the beam's lower flange to the purlin. The advantage of this kind of modeling is that smart link follows the beam's lower flange's position, if the beam height or the beam tapering changes after creating the flange bracing.
The distance between the purlin support point and the bracing connection may be given as an input parameter. It is also possible to mirror the bracing element to the other side of the beam.

v1.0 (release date: 2026.02.17.)
Made for Consteel 19 build 4614.

To DOWNLOAD this script, navigate to the MyDescript interface within Consteel, then click the "Edit" button next to the name of the script in the list. From there, the script can be saved to the computer. The availability of the "Edit" button depends on your membership level.
More info about the MyDescript interface and our membership system is available at these links:
https://docs.consteelsoftware.com/docs/descript/15_3_user-interface/
https://consteelsoftware.com/offers-licensing/#extra