Lateral bracing in steel framed residential structures

One of the most critical design components in light framed residential structures is bracing. This includes bracing of the roof system, walls and sub-floor. Designers often have to make several assumptions concerning the behaviour of individual elements as well as subassemblies. They also have a growing suite of diverse bracing material and techniques to choose from. This paper provides a brief review of bracing requirements which underpin the bracing design for roofs and walls. Areas which require special attention are highlighted such as mixing of different bracing systems for walls.