I'm not a structural engineer, but I play one around here.
Of your options, the 36"/36" is the theoretical best. It will load the diagonal member least, and have the greatest effect on the leg movement.
As those numbers decrease, the utility lessens. Happily, not by much until you get way up close to the "joint". I would say 12" is "way up close", and 24" is not.
Ed
Rich,
Our engineers are apt to ask at least a couple questions before they offer up a design:
1) they will expect you're planning for more than just legs in the four corners. Two more, half way along the length ? Or more?
2) Width (top to bottom) of the edge framing, thickness of the outer framing, and material, dimensions and configuration of the legs?
Oh, one final item. Screws or bolts? That is, how easy to you want the tear-down to be for potential moves.
These are just the starters. I'm still just waking up!
BTW: "Dearborn Station" - is that Michigan? Go Blue! Beat that other team.
John
I need a structural engineer!
Let's say that I want to build a 4'x8' module, 3' high.
To prevent lateral sway, I will add diagonal braces from the legs to the underside of the 8' horizontal members at the top of the module.
My question is, where should I position the diagonal braces?
For example, should the brace be placed 12" from the top of the leg and connect 12" into the horizontal member?
Or, maybe, 24" from the top of the leg and connect 24" into the horizontal member?
Or, maybe, 36" from the top of the leg (i.e., at the bottom of the leg) and connect 36" into the horizontal member?
Or, some other variation like 12" from the top of the leg and connect 36" into the horizontal member?
What would be the optimal position of the diagonal brace to minimize lateral sway?
Rich
Alton Junction