Abstract: A prefabricated column assembly includes a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis. A gusset plate assembly includes a plurality of gusset plates connected to the column and extending laterally outward from the column in planes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a first axis and defines a space for receiving an end portion of a first beam for mounting the first beam on the first pair of gusset plates. A second pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a second axis that is nonparallel and non-coincident with the first axis. The second pair of gusset plates defines a space for receiving an end portion of a second beam for mounting the second beam on the second pair of gusset plates to provide a bi-axial joint connection.

Abstract: A gusset plate assembly for use in connecting at least two beams to a hollow tubular column in a building. The gusset plate assembly can receive said at least two beams in a biaxial orientation of said beams. The gusset plate assembly comprises gusset plates sized for transferring the weights of said at least two beams and their reaction forces and bending moments from the application of severe load conditions acting on the building to the hollow tubular column. At least one of the gusset plates receives a portion of a second of the gusset plates. A joint penetration groove weld joining the first and second gusset plates together allows the gusset plate assembly to be free of welds on its internal corners. A method of assembling a gusset plate assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. The full-length beam is bolted to the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly. A brace has an end portion received between the gusset plates and makes an angle with the beam and with the column. The brace is bolted to the gusset plates at the end portion of the brace.

Abstract: A prefabricated column assembly includes a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis. A gusset plate assembly includes a plurality of gusset plates connected to the column and extending laterally outward from the column in planes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a first axis and defines a space for receiving an end portion of a first beam for mounting the first beam on the first pair of gusset plates. A second pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a second axis that is nonparallel and non-coincident with the first axis. The second pair of gusset plates defines a space for receiving an end portion of a second beam for mounting the second beam on the second pair of gusset plates to provide a bi-axial joint connection.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. The full-length beam is bolted to the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly. A brace has an end portion received between the gusset plates and makes an angle with the beam and with the column. The brace is bolted to the gusset plates at the end portion of the brace.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a biaxial moment resisting column assembly allows the column assembly to be formed with a minimum of external fixturing. A column of the column assembly functions as a jig for sequentially attaching each gusset plate to the column and in some instances to other gusset plates to form a gusset plate assembly of the column assembly. In some embodiments, all welds used to form the gusset plate assembly are made in the horizontal welding position. Movement of the column to different positions can be achieved by rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: A gusset plate assembly for use in connecting at least two beams to a hollow tubular column in a building. The gusset plate assembly can receive said at least two beams in a biaxial orientation of said beams. The gusset plate assembly comprises gusset plates sized for transferring the weights of said at least two beams and their reaction forces and bending moments from the application of severe load conditions acting on the building to the hollow tubular column. At least one of the gusset plates receives a portion of a second of the gusset plates. A joint penetration groove weld joining the first and second gusset plates together allows the gusset plate assembly to be free of welds on its internal corners. A method of assembling a gusset plate assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a biaxial moment resisting column assembly allows the column assembly to be formed with a minimum of external fixturing. A column of the column assembly functions as a jig for sequentially attaching each gusset plate to the column and in some instances to other gusset plates to form a gusset plate assembly of the column assembly. In some embodiments, all welds used to form the gusset plate assembly are made in the horizontal welding position. Movement of the column to different positions can be achieved by rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A prefabricated column assembly includes a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis. A gusset plate assembly includes a plurality of gusset plates connected to the column and extending laterally outward from the column in planes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a first axis and defines a space for receiving an end portion of a first beam for mounting the first beam on the first pair of gusset plates. A second pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a second axis that is nonparallel and non-coincident with the first axis. The second pair of gusset plates defines a space for receiving an end portion of a second beam for mounting the second beam on the second pair of gusset plates to provide a bi-axial joint connection.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. The full-length beam is bolted to the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly. A brace has an end portion received between the gusset plates and makes an angle with the beam and with the column. The brace is bolted to the gusset plates at the end portion of the brace.

Abstract: A beam to column joint connection structure of a building framework has a column assembly and a beam assembly. The column assembly includes a column, a pair of gusset plates on opposite sides of the column, and bearing elements. The beam assembly includes a beam having an end portion received between the gusset plates. The beam assembly has bearing elements. The bearing elements are positioned with respect to each other to prevent movement of the beam assembly relative to the column assembly by engagement of exterior bearing engagement surfaces of the bearing elements of the column assembly with exterior engagement bearing surfaces of the bearing elements of the beam assembly in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the beam. The beam-to-column joint connection does not require any bolts or welds connecting the beam assembly to the column assembly, resulting in an all bearing moment connection.

Abstract: A beam to column joint connection structure of a building framework has a column assembly and a beam assembly. The column assembly includes a column, a pair of gusset plates on opposite sides of the column, and bearing elements. The beam assembly includes a beam having an end portion received between the gusset plates. The beam assembly has bearing elements. The bearing elements are positioned with respect to each other to prevent movement of the beam assembly relative to the column assembly by engagement of exterior bearing engagement surfaces of the bearing elements of the column assembly with exterior engagement bearing surfaces of the bearing elements of the beam assembly in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the beam. The beam-to-column joint connection does not require any bolts or welds connecting the beam assembly to the column assembly, resulting in an all bearing moment connection.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: A method of making and utilizing a column assembly module for a building framework includes providing an elongate column member for being vertically disposed as part of a vertically elongate column assembly of a building framework. And securing to the elongate column member a spaced apart pair of horizontally elongate and vertically and horizontally extending side plates. The step of securing includes locating an inner surface of at least one side plate member and an outside opposing vertical edge of the column member so that a vertical interface plane lies at an interface of the inner surface of the at least one side plate member and the outside opposing vertical edge. During erection of the building framework a full-length beam assembly is disposed at an end portion thereof between the pair of projecting side plates to be connected thereto providing a beam-to-column joint assembly of the building framework.

Abstract: At a beams-to-column connection of two beams to a column, in which the joint connection comprises both a gravity load-carrying capability and a moment-resisting capability between each beam and column, there is added a beam-to-beam connection across the column, using two gusset plates, facing each other on opposite sides of the joint connection. The gusset plates which are not welded directly to the column in a moment-resisting connection, connect the two beams in a tension, shear and moment-resisting connection with respect to each other. Such beam-to-beam connection by the gusset plates provides the capability of withstanding severe torsional and lateral inelastic deformation due to direct blast pressure. When subjected to violent conditions and upon loss of column support or the loss of integrity of the beams-to-column joint connection, the two beams and gusset plates provide independent beam-to-beam structural continuity, causing the two beams to act as one long beam.

Abstract: This invention relates to columnar, “primary support” for a building or other heavy structure, in which a beam is connected to a column in a strong, moment-resisting connection comprised of two gusset plates welded to a flange or the face of the flange of the column and welded to the beam or attached to cover plates fixedly attached to the beam.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beams assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.