Structural wall bracing is an essential element to buttress the structure of any steel structure and increase the basic soundness of the complete system. This article will describe some specific wall reinforcement techniques.

Sidewall bracing, also known as X-bracing, in specific structural bays is the key to providing a solid basis for rigid frame all-steel buildings. A given structural sidewall braced bay will ordinarily utilize rod or cable reinforcement diagonals with the eave strut and columns on either side. In addition, braces can be placed in the end bays for the building sidewalls to help keep exposed steel structure perimeters strong during high wind events. Horizontal load equalization occurs along the structural wall from brace to brace by using eave struts, which are built to withstand both bowing and compaction.

Routine wall bracing at the ground level of the pre-engineered steel structure columns can be achieved in one of two ways: either by the use of a rod brace adhered to the frame web that is connected with a hillside washer and nut; or by the attachment link using a cable brace and an eye bolt. A sturdier building wall bracing option at the ground level of the column is to join bracing rods with the column by way of bolted brackets. This can be accomplished with an exterior flange for a tapered column or interior flange for a straight column.

Wind loads are always a concern, and while there is no hard and fast rule, the recommended number of braced bays usually is about 50% of the total planned bays for the design. Ask your supplier how many of the building bays in the design warrant the extra cost of bracing. Unless a rigid end frame is engineered for augmentation of the structure, it is very important to buttress building end walls.

There are three alternatives to attach wall bracing to the top of a column:

1.A common choice is the attachment to the web for the knee on the column, attained using two bracing rods of 3/4″³ or lower.

2.Use the internal flange for the straight column for a connection to a 7/8″� or greater rod.

3.Secure a 7/8″³ or bigger rod to the crest of a tapered frame column.

Any of these column and rod connections must be tested after installation to ensure that the bracing rods are firm enough to block noise and structural movement.

For most tall buildings and even some more modest ones, X-bracing may not be a viable option. The tiered rod brace is the answer, and it involves the implementation of a girt within the bracing rod scheme to obtain correct brace symmetry and stability. One side of the building, like many vehicle repair shops, may have a lot of windows and entrances that won’t sustain side bracing. To ensure proper loading dispersal to the auxiliary system for the three braced walls, one solution is the application of only one braced sidewall, the two end walls and the use of a pre-engineered rigid roof diaphragm. Your qualified steel building manufacturer or supplier will help you determine the right reinforcement design for your building’s needs.