gussett plates...curious
 

gussett plates...curious
why do gussett plates, such as those used to support brick hangers off of beam webs, often have a 45 degree notch as opposed to being rectangular? thanks!
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less material, more clearance for erection.
a bracket plate (or gusset) that has the free edge parallel to the direction of the load behaves differently than one cut to create a triangle. this is discussed in "steel structures design and behavior" by salmon and johnson. in the fourth edition see section 13.4 and 13.5. it's too complicated to go into here (ok, ok and i don't have the brain power) but i just wanted to point out that there is a difference.
there is also a 45 degree notch that is cut on the inside of the plate to clear the fillet at the junction of the web and flange.