6.1.4 Chevron Bracing

For conforming buildings, the evaluator may consider this condition as mitigated, and no calculations are necessary. Check all elements in the braced frames. For chevron- and V-braced frames, the beam shall be a single element that can carry the gravity loads without the intermediate support of the braces. Check the adequacy of the beam for the seismic forces amplified by C_d/2, but not less than 1.5. Consider the effect of buckling of a leg of chevron-bracing or V-bracing, including the continuity, strength, and bracing of the beams and the ability of the connection to permit buckling of the brace while not destroying the capacity for repeated cycles of loading. If K-bracing is used in buildings over two stories, amplify the seismic forces in the bracing and columns by the factor C_d/2, but not less than 1.5.