What is a Relieving Angle?
Definition of Relieving angle in Construction
A structural steel member that relieves the weight of another system constructed within the building.
Relieving angles normally relate to masonry brick, stone, or other types of cladding that have significant weight to their systems. This weight is held up by a relieving angle that is supported on both ends by a structural member, or supported along its length .
The proper scheduling of relieving angles is essential to the progression of work on the project. In many cases, the relieving angles are either galvanized or stainless steel, requiring a long period of time, from approval of shop drawings to delivery to the jobsite. Relieving angle size and location is determined by the structural engineer for the project. Incorrect design can cause failure of the system being supported by the relieving angles.
Restoration projects, in many cases, include the rehabilitation of deteriorating relieving angles by welding additional reinforcement or providing new coatings to the existing angles. The structural connections of relieving angles, to the overall structural frame, is an important aspect of the structural strength of the system. In addition, the proper leveling of the angles, as well as the type of attachment, is important to the integrity of the systems they support. The accuracy of the jointing and the integrity of the masonry systems being supported by the relieving angle are totally dependent upon these supports.