Design Capacity Tables for SHS Bracing Cleats: A Practical Guide for Australian Construction
In modern steel and hybrid construction, structural safety depends not only on materials but also on accurate load calculations. One critical component in these calculations is the design capacity tables for SHS bracing cleats.
For engineers, builders, and fabricators working with Square Hollow Section (SHS) bracing systems, design capacity tables provide clear, reliable data to ensure structures perform safely under real-world loads. In Australia, where structures must withstand wind, seismic activity, and harsh environmental conditions, these tables are not optional—they are essential.
This blog explains what design capacity tables are, why they matter, how they are used, and how SHS bracing cleats benefit from proper capacity design.
What Are SHS Bracing Cleats?
SHS bracing cleats are steel connection plates used to connect diagonal bracing members to square hollow section columns or beams. They are commonly bolted or welded and play a key role in transferring tensile and compressive forces from bracing members into the main structure.
Common applications include:
Steel frame buildings
Industrial sheds and warehouses
Modular and prefab structures
Portal frames
Wind and seismic bracing systems
Because bracing members carry high axial forces, cleat design capacity must be known and verified.
What Are Design Capacity Tables?
Design capacity tables present pre-calculated structural capacities of components under specific loading conditions. For SHS bracing cleats, these tables typically include:
Tensile capacity
Shear capacity
Bearing capacity
Bolt group capacity
Plate thickness limits
Failure mode checks
They are developed using Australian Standards (AS/NZS) and engineering principles, saving time while ensuring safety.
Why Design Capacity Tables for SHS Bracing Cleats Are Critical
1. Structural Safety
Incorrectly sized cleats can lead to:
Excessive deformation
Bolt failure
Plate tearing
Progressive collapse
Capacity tables ensure the cleat safely resists applied loads.
2. Compliance with Australian Standards
Design capacity tables align with:
AS 4100 (Steel Structures)
AS/NZS 1170 (Structural Actions)
NCC (National Construction Code)
Using tables simplifies compliance documentation.
3. Faster Engineering Decisions
Instead of running full calculations every time, engineers can:
Select a cleat size
Check load limits
Confirm suitability instantly
This is especially valuable in design-and-construct projects.
Typical Load Actions on SHS Bracing Cleats
SHS bracing cleats are subjected to multiple forces:
Primary actions
Axial tension (from bracing members)
Shear forces (from frame movement)
Secondary effects
Bolt slip
Plate bending
Local bearing on SHS wall
Design capacity tables account for these combined effects.
Sample Design Capacity Table – SHS Bracing Cleats
⚠️ Note: Values below are indicative only. Final designs must be verified by a qualified structural engineer.
Table 1: Tension Capacity of SHS Bracing Cleats
Table 2: Shear Capacity of SHS Bracing Cleats
Table 3: Bearing Capacity on SHS Wall
Key Factors Affecting Design Capacity
1. Cleat Thickness
Thicker cleats:
Increase tensile resistance
Reduce plate tearing
Improve stiffness
2. Bolt Diameter & Grade
Higher bolt grades (e.g. 8.8) significantly improve capacity.
3. Edge Distance & Spacing
Incorrect spacing reduces effective capacity and may govern failure.
4. SHS Wall Thickness
Thin SHS sections may govern bearing or tear-out failure before bolt capacity.
Common Failure Modes Considered in Capacity Tables
Design capacity tables check all possible failures, including:
Bolt shear failure
Bolt tension failure
Plate net-section rupture
Block shear failure
Bearing failure on SHS
Plate bending
The lowest governing capacity defines the safe design value.
Why Engineers Prefer Pre-Designed SHS Cleats
Using pre-engineered SHS bracing cleats with published design capacity tables offers:
✔ Predictable performance
✔ Reduced design time
✔ Easier approvals
✔ Faster construction
✔ Lower risk of site errors
This is especially important in industrial, modular, and commercial steel buildings.
How SHS Cleats Simplify Bracing Design
At shscleats.com.au, SHS bracing cleats are designed with:
Consistent geometry
Standard bolt patterns
Galvanised corrosion protection
Compatibility with Australian SHS sizes
This allows engineers to directly reference capacity tables with confidence.
FAQs: Design Capacity Tables for SHS Bracing Cleats
1. Are design capacity tables mandatory in Australia?
While not legally mandatory, they are strongly recommended and widely accepted by certifiers and engineers as best practice.
2. Can builders use capacity tables without an engineer?
Capacity tables assist selection, but final responsibility still lies with a qualified structural engineer.
3. Do galvanised cleats affect capacity values?
Galvanising does not reduce strength when properly applied and designed.
4. Are capacity tables different for seismic vs wind bracing?
Yes. Load combinations differ, but base cleat capacities remain the same.
5. Can one cleat be used for multiple bracing members?
Only if the combined loads do not exceed the cleat’s design capacity.
Conclusion: Why Design Capacity Tables Matter
Design capacity tables for SHS bracing cleats are a cornerstone of safe, efficient, and compliant steel construction in Australia. They provide engineers and builders with clear, reliable data to make informed decisions—reducing risk while improving build quality.
When combined with precision-manufactured SHS cleats, these tables help ensure every bracing connection performs exactly as intended, even under extreme loads and harsh Australian conditions.
For dependable structural connections backed by sound engineering,
SHS Cleats deliver strength you can design with confidence.
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