location of braces on scbf
 

location of braces on scbf
is it allowable to place the diagonal brace of a special concentrically braced frame (scbf) in the weak axis of a wide flange column? i have a column which is in the corner of the structure and i want to be a brace in both directions. can i do this or do i need to move the brace in the weak direction of the column to another location?
yes, what you propose is acceptable.
but be aware that scbf connection needs to have a strength sufficient to resist the expected ful yield force (ry*fy*ag) in the brace for tension and the expected buckling load (fcrit*ag) in compression. this can result in rather substantial connections compared to the brace member. it is advisable to consider using a "system not specifically designed for seismic resisitance" (r=3) if permited by the code, even aisc advises this to avoid the seismic provisions (selecting scbf automatically requires the seismic provisions details reguardless of seismic design catagory.