Design Considerations:

The load carrying function is performed by the main structural members. The lacing bars (or battens) are not load carrying elements. Their chief function is to hold the main component members in position and equalize the stress distribution among them. However, they are expected to resist some lateral or eccentric loading which tend to distort the system, and cause buckling of the individual structural elements separately. The following conditions are to be considered:

(a)        Buckling of the column as a whole.

(b)       Buckling of a component of the column (between connections).

c)         Failure of the latticed lacing members due to a horizontal shear.

(d)       Distortion of the cross-section of the built-up column due to bending moment or shear force.