Selection of the right lateral force resisting system has a significant effect on the performance of the structure in steel structures. In this article, you will get to learn about the bracing systems and types of bracing systems used in steel structures.
What Is Bracing?
The bracing systems are an essential element for the which are generally subjected to the lateral loads mainly due to the earthquake or wind.
As you know, the beams and columns are subjected to carry the vertical loads acting on the structures, whereas the bracings are used to maintain the lateral loads acting on the structures.
The Bracings will help to reduce the lateral deflection on the structures. The most common reason for providing bracing is to control the buckling of the main beams. The small tonnage of the steel bracings increases a huge resistance against the bending of the beam.
What Does Brace Mean?
Bracing is one of the most essential and crucial parts of the structures that helps to improve the stability of the building and resist the buildings from earthquakes.
The Braced frame is basically a structured system designed to withstand the High wind and the forces of the earthquakes. The members in the braced frame are not allowed to sway laterally.
The purpose of providing bracings is to ensure additional safety against external loads. The Braced buildings are reinforced by the steel members and increase the tensile and compressive strength of the building.
The Bracings are primarily used in the steel structures to resist the lateral force acting on the steel structures due to wind, earthquake, etc.
Types of Bracing
There are mainly two main types of bracing systems that are used in the construction of buildings that are as follows.
- Horizontal Bracings
- Vertical Bracings
1. Horizontal Bracing System
The Horizontal bracing system consists of the bracings which are provided at each floor in the horizontal planes and provides the load paths so that the horizontal forces can be easily transferred to the planes of the vertical bracings.
Horizontal bracing systems are designed to transfer horizontal loads from columns at the perimeter of the structure to the planes of vertical bracing.
The horizontal forces on perimeter columns are developed due to the wind force pressure on the structure. There are two major types of horizontal bracing systems that are generally used in the multistory braced steel structure, which are diaphragms, and discrete triangulated bracing.
In diaphragms, there are different types of floor systems that provide a perfect horizontal diaphragm, such as composite floors, whereas others, such as precast concrete slabs, need specific measures to be satisfactory to serve their purpose.
For example, steelwork and the precast concrete slab should be joined together properly to avoid relative movements.
2. Vertical Bracings System
In the vertical planes, the bracings lie between the column lines, which provides the load paths that are used to transfer the horizontal forces to the ground level, and this system will transfer the horizontal loads to the foundations and withstand the overall sway of the building.
These are the types of bracings that are placed between the two lines of the columns. There are also two subtypes of vertical bracings that are as follows.
2.1. Cross Bracings
The cross bracings are slenderly withstanding tension forces only, and they are not the compression forces which provides the necessary lateral stability mainly depends upon the direction of the loading.
2.2. Single Diagonal Bracings
- Whereas the single diagonal bracings are designed to resist both tension forces as well as compression forces. In this, there is s diagonal member that is inserted into the rectangular areas of the structural frame that is good for the stabilization of the frame.
- The bracing systems are placed at a near 45 degrees for an efficient system, and this arrangement is strong and compact.
- The vertical bracings are mainly designed to resists the high wind loads and the horizontal forces acting.
- A minimum of two vertical planes in each of the orthogonal directions are provided to prevents the disproportionate collapse. The more number of the vertical planes of the bracings that are installed helps to improve the structural stability.
Advantages of Bracing Systems
There are various benefits for which bracing systems are used in the structures that are as follows.
- The Bracing systems are used to resists the buckling of the main beam in the structure.
- It also helps to equally distribute the lateral loads as well as vertical loads between the main beams.
- It is cost-effective and very easy, and flexible to design and get the required strength and stiffness.
- The Braced frames have good resistance to high-speed winds and seismic forces as compared to the non-braced buildings.
- Reduction in lateral displacement is one of the major advantages of using bracing system.
Disadvantages of Bracing Systems
There are also some disadvantages of bracing systems that are as follows.
- The length of the span of the structures is restricted up to 40 feet when reinforced.
- The construction of the bracing systems required skilled workmanship.
Bracings in Truss
Bracings are reinstalled to hold the trusses in a stable position to prevent the structure from buckling under the pressure of high winds and heavy rainfall. The structures less than 12 feet in width do not required truss bracings. The truss braces should be installed inside the truss sections.
FAQ: Bracing Systems in Steel Structures
What is bracing in steel structures?
Bracing systems are essential elements used in steel structures to resist lateral loads caused primarily by earthquakes or wind. They help reduce lateral deflection and maintain the stability of the structure.
Why is bracing important in construction?
Bracing is crucial because it controls the buckling of main beams, improves building stability, and provides additional safety against external loads such as wind and earthquakes.
What are the main types of bracing systems used in steel structures?
The two main types of bracing systems used are horizontal bracing systems and vertical bracing systems.
What is a horizontal bracing system?
Horizontal bracing systems are bracings provided at each floor in the horizontal planes. They transfer horizontal forces from columns at the perimeter to the planes of vertical bracing, aiding in structural stability.
What is a vertical bracing system?
Vertical bracing systems consist of bracings in the vertical planes between column lines. They transfer horizontal forces to the ground level, resist the overall sway of the building, and provide lateral stability.
What are the subtypes of vertical bracings?
Vertical bracings include cross bracings, which withstand tension forces, and single diagonal bracings, which resist both tension and compression forces.
What is the purpose of cross bracings?
Cross bracings provide necessary lateral stability by withstanding tension forces only, depending on the direction of loading.
What is single diagonal bracing?
Single diagonal bracing involves a diagonal member inserted into the rectangular areas of the structural frame to resist both tension and compression forces, stabilizing the frame.
What are the advantages of using bracing systems in steel structures?
Advantages include resistance to buckling, equal distribution of lateral and vertical loads, cost-effectiveness, improved resistance to high-speed winds and seismic forces, and reduction in lateral displacement.
Are there any disadvantages of using bracing systems?
Disadvantages include restricted span length (up to 40 feet when reinforced), the need for skilled workmanship, and the potential complexity of construction.
How do bracings work in truss structures?
Bracings in truss structures hold the trusses in a stable position, preventing buckling under high winds and heavy rainfall. Structures less than 12 feet in width generally do not require truss bracings.
What are the considerations for installing horizontal bracing systems?
Considerations include ensuring the proper joining of steelwork and precast concrete slabs to avoid relative movements, providing a perfect horizontal diaphragm, and ensuring load paths for transferring horizontal forces to vertical bracings.
How are vertical bracing systems designed?
Vertical bracing systems are designed to resist high wind loads and horizontal forces, with a minimum of two vertical planes in each orthogonal direction to prevent disproportionate collapse and improve structural stability.
Can bracing systems be used in all types of buildings?
Bracing systems are particularly useful in steel structures subjected to significant lateral loads. However, the design and implementation depend on the specific requirements and conditions of the building.
What materials are typically used for bracing in steel structures?
Steel is the primary material used for bracing in steel structures due to its high tensile and compressive strength, durability, and effectiveness in resisting lateral forces.
