Gusset plates are thick sheets of steel that are used to connect
beams and
girders to
columns or to connect
truss members. A gusset plate can be fastened to a permanent member either by
bolts,
rivets or
welding or a combination of the three. Gusset plates not only serve as a method of joining steel members together but they also strengthen the
joint. They are used in
bridges and
buildings as well as other
structures.