US20250263919A1

US20250263919A1 - Beam-to-column joint connection

Info

Publication number: US20250263919A1
Application number: US19/053,562
Authority: US
Inventors: Behzad Rafezy; Quang Minh Huynh
Original assignee: Mitek Holdings Inc
Current assignee: Mitek Holdings Inc
Priority date: 2024-02-16
Filing date: 2025-02-14
Publication date: 2025-08-21

Abstract

A prefabricated column assembly includes a hollow tubular column, a gusset plate and a connection plate. The hollow tubular column has a longitudinal axis. The gusset plate is attached to a first face of the column and extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A connection plate extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the gusset plate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/554,803, filed Feb. 16, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a beam-to-column joint connection, and more particularly to a beam-to-column joint connection including a column assembly and gusset plate assembly.

BACKGROUND

Structures formed by basic, often steel, components such as columns, headers and joists that can be assembled relatively rapidly, while providing a solid and enduring structure. However, even this well-known construction method requires some care in making connections and there can be alignment issues that delay construction. In mezzanine structures used in factories and other commercial areas, it is also important that the components can be assembled very rapidly without loss of stability.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a prefabricated column assembly comprises a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis and a gusset plate assembly. The gusset plate assembly comprises a first gusset plate, a first connection plate, a second gusset plate, and a second connection plate. The first gusset plate is attached to a first face of the column and extends in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The first connection plate is attached to the first gusset plate and extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the first gusset plate. The second gusset plate is attached to a second face of the column and extends in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The second connection plate is attached to the second gusset plate and extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the second gusset plate. The first and second connection plates provide a biaxial joint connection.
In another aspect, a prefabricated column assembly comprises a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis and a gusset plate assembly. The gusset plate assembly comprises a gusset plate and a connection plate. The gusset plate is attached to a face of the column and extends in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The connection plate is attached to the face of the column and extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the gusset plate. The gusset plate and connection plate provide a biaxial joint connection.
In another aspect, a joint connection in a mezzanine structure comprises a tubular column, a first stringer, a second stringer, and a gusset plate assembly. The tubular column has a longitudinal axis, a first lateral face, and a second lateral face. The gusset plate assembly comprises a first gusset plate subassembly and a second gusset plate subassembly. Each of the first and second gusset plate subassemblies comprises a first gusset plate and a second gusset plate interconnected with each other. The first gusset plate overlaps and is joined to the first lateral face of the tubular column. The second gusset plate overlaps and is joined to the second lateral face of the tubular column. The first gusset plate projects from the first lateral face of the tubular column. The first stringer is attached to the first gusset plate. The second stringer is attached to the second gusset plate. The first stringer and second stringer each extend away from the column in different directions.
In another aspect, a gusset plate for connecting a beam to a column comprises a metal plate and a pin. The metal plate has openings therein for receiving bolts. The pin projects outward from a major surface of the gusset plate and is positioned for catching the beam for supporting the beam by the metal plate.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top view of a building framework of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of an interior biaxial joint connection structure of the building framework of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the joint connection structure of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a perimeter biaxial joint connection structure of the building framework of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a corner biaxial joint connection structure of the building framework of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of an interior biaxial joint connection structure of another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the joint connection structure of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of an interior biaxial joint connection structure of another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the joint connection structure of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a perimeter biaxial joint connection structure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a corner biaxial joint connection structure;

FIG. 12 is a top view of another building framework of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of a joint connection structure of another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a joint connection structure of another embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective of a joint connection structure of another embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicated corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , an interior, biaxial beam-to-column joint connection structure of a first embodiment is generally indicated at 11. The joint connection structure may be used in the construction of a building framework 1 (see, FIG. 1 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the joint connection structure joins a column assembly 13 including a column 15 to a plurality of full-length beam assemblies 17 (FIG. 2 ) each including full-length beam channels 19 (broadly, stringers). A full-length beam channel is a beam channel that has a length sufficient to extend substantially the full-length between adjacent columns in a structure (see, FIG. 1 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the joint connection structure 11 has a 4-sided/4-beam configuration whereby four full-length beam assemblies 17 are configured to be attached to the column assembly 13 providing a biaxial joint connection. In the illustrated embodiment, column 15 is an HSS tube section structure having a rectangular (broadly, “polygonal”) cross section defined by four column faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam channels 19 generally comprise U-shaped, cold formed steel channels. The beam channels 19 may be arranged in either a single or double configuration depending upon the location and load requirement of the joint connection. However, the column 15 and beam channels 19 may have any suitable configuration. The joint connection 11 is configured to withstand seismic loads and be incorporated into single and multi-story build frameworks.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the column assembly 13 includes a gusset plate assembly 21 for attaching the column assembly to the beam assemblies 17. The gusset plate assembly 21 comprises a plurality of gusset plates 23 connected to the column 15. The gusset plates 23 function to distribute load applied to the beam assemblies 17 across the column flanges. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four (4) gusset plates each welded to a separate face of the column 15. The gusset plates 23 extend within planes generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column 15. Thus, each gusset plate 23 extends parallel to the face of the column to which it is attached. Each gusset plate 23 is also contained within the lateral extension of the face of the column 15 to which it is attached. Thus, the gusset plates 23 do not extend laterally outward from the column 15. In one embodiment, a width of each gusset plate 23 is at least 1 inch less that a width of the column flange to which the gusset plate is attached. In one embodiment, the width of each gusset plate is about 1.5 inches less than the width of the column flange to which the gusset plate is attached. Additionally, a thickness of each gusset plate 23 may be at least ½ inch. In one embodiment, the thickness of each gusset plate 23 is between about ½ inch and about 1 inch.
A connection plate 25 is attached to each gusset plate 23. Each connection plate 25 is centered on and extends generally perpendicularly from the gusset plate 23 to which it is attached. Thus, a major surface of the connection plate 25 extends orthogonally to a major surface of the gusset plate 23. The connection plates 25 define fastener holes for receiving fasteners for attaching the beam assemblies 17 to the column assembly 13. The fastener holes are spaced apart along a bottom edge of the connection plates 25. Thus, the column assembly 13 is bolted to the beam assemblies 17 by bolts 26 extending through aligned bolt holes in the connection plates 25 and the beam channels 19. The bolt holes in the beam channels 19 may be disposed in a web of the channel adjacent a bottom flange of the channel. The bolts 26 attach a pair of beam channels 19 to opposite sides of a connection plate 25. In one embodiment, the pair of beam channels 19 attached to a common connection plate 25 may be considered a beam assembly 17. Alternatively, a single beam channel 19 attached to a connection plate 25 may be considered a beam assembly 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the gusset plate assembly 21 is constructed and arranged so that four, co-planar beams assemblies 17 are connected to the column 15.
The joint connection structure 11 outlined above is a biaxial beam-to-column type structure. The structure 11 provides for beam assembly connection along four sides of hollow tubular column 15. Most preferably, each of the components of the joint connection structure 11, as well as the beam channels 19 and column 15, are made of structural steel. Some of the components of the joint connection structure 11 are united by welding and some by bolting. The welding may be initially performed at a fabrication shop. The bolting may be performed at the construction site, which is the preferred option in many regions of the world. However, it will be understood that the beam assembly 17 can be connected to the column assembly 13 in other suitable ways such as by welding. In one embodiment, the column assembly 13 may be considered a prefabricated column assembly such that the components of the column assembly are attached to each other at a manufacturing or fabrication shop prior to being delivered to the construction site.
Referring to FIG. 4 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated at 111. The joint connection structure 111 is similar to the structure 11 shown in FIG. 2 . However, the joint connection structure 111 comprises a perimeter joint connection structure as shown in the building framework 1 in FIG. 1 .
Referring to FIG. 5 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated at 211. The joint connection structure 211 is similar to the structure 11 shown in FIG. 2 . However, the joint connection structure 211 comprises a corner joint connection structure as shown in the building framework 1 in FIG. 1 .
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated a 311. The joint connection structure 311 is similar to the structure 11 shown in FIG. 2 . As such, like elements have been given like reference numbers plus 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint connection structure joins a column assembly 313 including a column 315 to a plurality of full-length beam assemblies 317 (FIG. 6 ) each including full-length beam channels 319. In the illustrated embodiment, column 315 is an HSS tube section structure having a rectangular (broadly, “polygonal”) cross section defined by four column faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam channels 319 comprise U-shaped channels. However, the column 315 and beam channels 319 may have any suitable configuration.
The column assembly 313 includes a gusset plate assembly 321 for attaching the column assembly to the beam assemblies 317. The gusset plate assembly 321 comprises a plurality of gusset plates 323 connected to the column 315. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four (4) gusset plates. A first pair of gusset plates are welded to a first face of the column 315, and a second part of gusset plates 323 are welded to a second face of the column opposite the first face. The gusset plates 323 extend laterally outward from the column 315 and within planes generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column 315. Thus, each gusset plate 323 extends parallel to the face of the column 315 to which it is attached. The first gusset plate 323 of each pair extends laterally outward from the column 315 in a first direction, and the second gusset plate 323 in each pair extends laterally outward from the column in a second direction opposite the first direction. Thus, each first gusset plate 323 is configured for connection to one of the beam channels 319 of a beam assembly 317, and each second gusset plate 323 is configured for connection to one of the beam channels 319 of another beam assembly 317. Therefore, the gusset plates 323 are configured to attach a pair of co-axial beam assemblies 317 to the column assembly 313.
A connection plate 325 is attached to the column 315 and extends outward from a pair of faces of the column between the gusset plates 323. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection plate 325 extends through slots in the column faces and is welded directly to the column 315 at the slots. The connection plate 325 extends generally perpendicularly to the gusset plates 323. Thus, a major surface of the connection plate 325 extends orthogonally to the major surfaces of the gusset plates 323. The connection plate 325 defines fastener holes for receiving fasteners for attaching beam assemblies 317 to the column assembly 313. The fastener holes are spaced apart along a bottom edge of the connection plate 325 at opposite end margins of the connection plate. Thus, the column assembly 313 is also bolted to a pair of co-axial beam assemblies 317 by bolts 326 extending through aligned bolt holes in the connection plate 325 and the beam channels 319. The bolt holes in the beam channels 319 may be disposed in a web of the channel adjacent a bottom flange of the channel. The bolts 326 attach a pair of beam channels 319 to opposite sides of a connection plate 325. In one embodiment, the pair of beam channels 319 extending from a common face of the column 315 may be considered a beam assembly 317. In the illustrated embodiment of an interior joint connection structure, the gusset plate assembly 321 is constructed and arranged so that four, co-planar beams assemblies 317 are connected to the column 315.
The joint connection structure 311 outlined above is a biaxial beam-to-column type structure. The structure 311 provides for beam assembly connection along four sides of hollow tubular column 15. Most preferably, each of the components of the joint connection structure 311, as well as the beam channels 319 and column 315, are made of structural steel. Some of the components of the joint connection structure 311 are united by welding and some by bolting. The welding may be initially performed at a fabrication shop. The bolting may be performed at the construction site, which is the preferred option in many regions of the world. However, it will be understood that the beam assembly 317 can be connected to the column assembly 313 in other suitable ways such as by welding. In one embodiment, the column assembly 313 may be considered a prefabricated column assembly in which the components of the column assembly are attached to each other at manufacturing or fabrication shop prior to being delivered to the construction site.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated a 411. The joint connection structure 411 is similar to the structure 11 shown in FIG. 2 . As such, like elements have been given like reference numbers plus 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint connection structure joins a column assembly 413 including a column 415 to a plurality of full-length beam assemblies 417 (FIG. 6 ) each including full-length beam channels 419. In the illustrated embodiment, column 415 is an HSS tube section structure having a rectangular (broadly, “polygonal”) cross section defined by four column faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam channels 419 comprise U-shaped, cold formed steel channels. However, the column 415 and beam channels 419 may have any suitable configuration.
The column assembly 413 includes a gusset plate assembly 421 for attaching the column assembly to the beam assemblies 417. The gusset plate assembly 421 comprises a plurality (four) of gusset plate subassemblies 471 separately welded to column 415. Each subassembly 471 hugs its two adjacent orthogonal faces of the column 415, thereby enclosing the corner of the column, and is welded to the column. The gusset plate subassemblies each include a first gusset plate and a second gusset plate.
The gusset plates 423 extend laterally outward from the column 415 and within planes generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column 415. Thus, each gusset plate 423 extends parallel to the face of the column 415 to which it is attached. The first gusset plate 423 of each pair extends laterally outward from the column 415 in a first direction, and the second gusset plate in each pair extends laterally outward from the column in a second direction orthogonal the first direction. Each gusset plate 423 is configured for connection to a beam channel 419 of a beam assembly 417.
Each subassembly 471 comprises the first gusset plate 423 having an open slot located closer to one side of the first gusset plate, and the second gusset plate having an open slot located closer to one side of the second gusset plate. The gusset plates 423 are attached by mating the slots with each other and welding the gusset plates to the column 415 at vertical welds. The assembled gusset plate subassemblies 471 have an unsymmetrical, crossed configuration. The portions of the gusset plates 423 that define a smaller section are welded to the four corners of the column 415, and the portions of the gusset plates that define a larger section extend laterally outward from the column and are bolted to the beam channels 419.
Referring to FIG. 10 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated at 511. The joint connection structure 511 is similar to the structure 411 shown in FIG. 8 . However, the joint connection structure 511 comprises a perimeter joint connection structure similar to the one shown in the building framework 100 in FIG. 12 .
Referring to FIG. 11 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated at 611. The joint connection structure 611 is similar to the structure 411 shown in FIG. 8 . However, the joint connection structure 611 comprises a corner joint connection structure as shown in the building framework 100 in FIG. 12 .
FIG. 12 shows a building framework incorporating different types of joint connections. In particular, joint connection 11 is used for the interior joints, joint connection 511 is used for the perimeter joints, and joint connection 611 is used for the corner joints.
Referring to FIG. 13 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated at 711. The joint connection structure 711 is a corner joint connection structure similar to the structures 211 and 611 shown in FIGS. 5 and 11 , respectively. However, the joint connection structure 711 comprises gusset plates 723 that include pins 730 attached to and extending laterally from the gusset plates. The pins 730 are receivable in notches 732 in the ends of the beam channels 719 to at least temporarily locate or seat the beam channels relative to or on the gusset plates 723. The beam channels 719 can then be attached (e.g., bolted) to the gusset plates 723 to secure the beam channels to the gusset plates. In the illustrated embodiment, the notches 732 have open bottoms that allow the pins 730 to be received in the notches as the beam channels 719 are lowered into registration with the gusset plates 723. The pins 730 properly position the beam channels 719 relative to the gusset plates 723 for being bolted to the gusset plates when the pins are received in the notches 732. In one embodiment, the pins 730 extend from the major surfaces of the gusset plates 723 at an upward angle. The upward extension of the pins 730 may provide a more secure holding force for keeping the beam channel 719 in place. In another embodiment, the pins 730 extend from the major surfaces of the gusset plates 723 at an orthogonal angle. The pins 730 could extend from the gusset plates 723 at other angles without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the pins 730 can be incorporated into other joint connection structures without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the pins 730 can be attached to gusset plates in other corner joint connection structures or in the interior and perimeter joint connection structures disclosed herein.
Referring to FIG. 14 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated at 811. The joint connection structure 811 is a corner joint connection structure similar to the structure 711 shown in FIG. 13 . The joint connection structure 811 comprises gusset plates 823 that include pins 830 attached to and extending laterally from the gusset plates. The pins 830 are receivable in openings 832 near the ends of the beam channels 819 to at least temporarily locate or seat the beam channels relative to or on the gusset plates 823. The beam channels 819 can then be attached (e.g., bolted) to the gusset plates 823 to secure the beam channels to the gusset plates. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 832 are elongate having their major dimension extending along a height of the beam channel 819 to facilitate insertion of the pins 830 into the openings after the beam channels have been lowered into registration with the gusset plates 823. The pins 830 properly position the beam channels 819 relative to the gusset plates 823 for being bolted to the gusset plates when the pins are inserted into the openings 832. In one embodiment, the pins 830 extend from the major surfaces of the gusset plates 823 at an upward angle. The upward extension of the pins 830 may provide a more secure holding force for keeping the beam channel 819 in place. In another embodiment, the pins 830 extend from the major surfaces of the gusset plates 823 at an orthogonal angle. The pins 830 could extend from the gusset plates 823 at other angles without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the pins 830 can be incorporated into other joint connection structures without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the pins 830 can be attached to gusset plates in other corner joint connection structures or in the interior and perimeter joint connection structures disclosed herein.
Referring to FIG. 15 , a joint connection structure of another embodiment is generally indicated at 911. The joint connection structure 911 is a corner joint connection structure similar to the structures 711 and 811 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , respectively. However, the joint connection structure 911 comprises gusset plates 923 that include a bottom seat plate 930 attached to and extending laterally from bottoms of the vertically extending plate members of the gusset plates. Ends of the beam channels 819 can rest on the seat plates 930 to at least temporarily locate or seat the beam channels relative to or on the gusset plates 923. The beam channels 919 can then be attached (e.g., bolted) to the gusset plates 923 (or a connection plate attached to the gusset plate) to secure the beam channels to the gusset plates. In one embodiment, the seat plates 930 extend from the vertically extending plate members of the gusset plates 923 at an orthogonal angle providing a horizontal surface for supporting the beam channels 919. However, the seat plates 930 could extend at other angles without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the seat plates 930 can be incorporated into other joint connection structures without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the seat plates 930 can be incorporated into gusset plates in other corner joint connection structures or in the interior and perimeter joint connection structures disclosed herein.
It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, including preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

OTHER STATEMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following are statements or features of invention described in the present disclosure. Some or all of the following statements may not be currently presented as claims. Nevertheless, the statements are believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. Associated apparatuses corresponding to the statements or methods below (and vice versa) are also believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. It is understood that the following statements may refer to and be supported by one, more than one, or all the embodiments described above.

- A1. A joint connection in a mezzanine structure comprising:
  - a tubular column having a longitudinal axis, a first lateral face and a second lateral face;
  - a first stringer;
  - a second stringer;
  - a gusset plate assembly comprising a first gusset plate subassembly and a second gusset plates subassembly, each of the first and second gusset plate subassemblies comprising a first gusset plate and a second gusset plate interconnected with each other, the first gusset plate overlapping and being joined to the first lateral face of the tubular column and the second gusset plate overlapping and being joined to the second lateral face of the tubular column, the first gusset plate projecting from the first lateral face of the tubular column;
  - the first stringer being attached to the first gusset plate and the second stringer being attached to the second gusset plate, the first stringer and second stringer each extending away from the column in different directions.
- A2. The joint connection of statement A1, in which the first stringer is bolted to an exterior face of the first gusset plate and the second stinger is bolted to an exterior face of the second gusset plate.
- B1. A gusset plate for connecting a beam to a column, the gusset plate comprising a metal plate having openings therein for receiving bolts and a pin projecting outward from a major surface of the gusset plate and positioned for catching the beam for supporting the beam by the metal plate.
- B2. The gusset plate of statement B1, wherein the pin extends from the gusset plate at a nonorthogonal angle with respect to the major surface of the gusset plate.

Claims

1. A prefabricated column assembly comprising:

a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis; and

a gusset plate assembly comprising a first gusset plate attached to a first face of the column and extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column, a first connection plate attached to the first gusset plate and extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the first gusset plate, a second gusset plate attached to a second face of the column and extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column, and a second connection plate attached to the second gusset plate and extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the second gusset plate, the first and second connection plates providing a biaxial joint connection.

2. The column assembly of claim 1, wherein the gusset plate assembly further comprises a third gusset plate attached to a third face of the column and extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column, and a third connection plate attached to the third gusset plate and extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the third gusset plate.

3. The column assembly of claim 2, wherein the gusset plate assembly further comprises a fourth gusset plate attached to a fourth face of the column and extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column, and a fourth connection plate attached to the fourth gusset plate and extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the fourth gusset plate.

4. The column assembly of claim 1, wherein the column comprises an HSS column.

5. The column assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second gusset plates are welded to the column.

6. The column assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and second connection plates are welded to and centered on the gusset plates.

7. The column assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second gusset plates and the first and second connection plates each comprise planar plate members.

8. The column assembly of claim 1, in combination with a stringer bolted to one of the first and second connection plates.

9. The column assembly of claim 8, further comprising a second stringer bolted to said one of the first and second connection plates.

10. The column assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second stringers are bolted to opposite sides of said one of the first and second connection plates.

11. A prefabricated column assembly comprising:

a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis; and

a gusset plate assembly comprising a gusset plate attached to a face of the column and extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column, and a connection plate attached to the face of the column and extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the gusset plate, the gusset plate and connection plate providing a biaxial joint connection.

12. The column assembly of claim 11, wherein the gusset plate comprises a first gusset plate, the gusset plate assembly further comprising a second gusset plate attached to the face of the column.

13. The column assembly of claim 12, wherein the first gusset plate extends laterally outward from the column in a first direction, and the second gusset plate extends laterally outward from the column in a second direction opposite the first direction.

14. The column assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second gusset plates are welded to the face of the column.

15. The column assembly of claim 13, wherein the connection plate is welded to the face of the column.

16. The column assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second gusset plates and the connection plate each comprise planar plate members.

17. The column assembly of claim 11, in combination with a stringer bolted to the connection plate.

18. The column assembly of claim 17, further comprising a second stringer bolted to the connection plate.

19. The column assembly of claim 18, wherein the first and second stringers are bolted to opposite sides of the connection plate.

20. The column assembly of claim 19, further comprising a third stringer bolted to one of the first and second gusset plates.