Systems and methods directed to the art of connectors and assembling structures, such as securing rail members together to form an assembled structure. A connector system capable of inducing a clamping stress in a connector and thereby securing at least one rail within the connector. The connector has a plurality of channel openings and a plurality of brace members extending outward from the connector and between the plurality of channel openings, each brace member has at least one brace aperture therethrough, and each brace member faces one other brace member with the respective brace member apertures aligned.