In the design of laced compression members, the transverse shear to be resisted by the lacing system is commonly assumed as what percentage of the total axial load?

Introduction / Context:
Laced columns comprise individual components connected by inclined lacing bars. Imperfections and load sharing introduce secondary shear forces that the lacing must carry to keep the components acting together. A conventional design assumption prescribes a fixed percentage of the axial load as the shear to be resisted by the lacing system in each lacing plane.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Member: laced compression member.
• Design requirement: nominal transverse shear resisted by lacing.
• Assumption: shear expressed as a percentage of total axial load.

Concept / Approach:
The lacing prevents relative displacement and buckling of individual components by carrying transverse shear and ensuring composite action. Traditional provisions assume 2.5% of the member's axial load as the design shear for the lacing plane, ensuring adequate stiffness without excessive conservatism for ordinary proportions.

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