post and beam

[chumging]

does adding knee braces (angled 45 degree braces) to post and beam shorten the span from post to post?

[Don_P]

It is normally not accounted for when sizing the beams, the span is measured from post to post.

[NYbuilder]

The angled pieces prevent racking. They are not necessary if you are able to create a moment connection where the beam meets the post. This is a connection that cannot rotate, such as a welded steel connection or steel boot of some kind.