ID: 201802789

Date November 5, 2020.

Hisham Aoudeh Abdeh

 Contents

► Braced structures
► Bracing systems
► Types of bracing
► Advantages
► Disadvantages
► Conclusion
 Braced frames

A braced frame is a structural system

commonly used in structures subject to lateral
loads such as wind and seismic pressure.
The members in a braced frames are generally
made of structural steel, which
can work effectively both
in tension and compression.

The beams and columns that form the frame

carry vertical loads, and the bracing system Building frame system
carries the lateral loads. The positioning of
braces.
 Braced Structures

Braced frames develop their resistance to

lateral forces by the bracing action of
diagonal members. The braces induce
forces in the associated beams and
columns so that all work together like a
truss with all members subjected to
stresses that are primarily axial.

Braced Structure
 Braced Structures

■ Braced frames act in the same manner as

shear walls, though they may be of lower
resistance depending on their detailed design.
■ Bracing generally takes the form of steel
rolled sections, circular bar sections, or tubes;
vibrating forces may cause it to elongate or
compress, in this case it loses its effectiveness
and permits large deformations or collapse of
the vertical structure.
Braced Structure
Braced Structures
Comparison of Moment-Resisting Frames and Braced Structures
 Braced Structures

Bracing can be used to stop buildings swaying

over. It helps buildings stand up to the
sideways forces that can occur during Effects of Earthquake
earthquakes or high winds. Bracing members
can work in tension or in compression.
 Bracing Systems

Vertical and horizontal bracing

 Bracing System

Bracing system includes:

Vertical bracing:
Vertical bracing as shown in Figure are
diagonal bracings installed between two
lines of columns. Not only does it
transfer horizontal loads to the
foundations (create load path for
horizontal forces) but also it withstands
overall sway of the structure. Vertical Diagonal Bracing Provided
Between Two Lines of Columns
 Bracing System
It can also be studied in two types
namely:

•Cross bracing and

•Single diagonal.

•Cross bracing is slenderly

withstanding tension forces only and
not compression forces, it also
provides necessary lateral stability
depending on the direction of
loading.
 Bracing System

Unlike Cross bracing, Single

diagonal bracing is designed to
resist both tension forces and
compression forces. In this, diagonal
structural members are inserted into
rectangular areas of a structural
frame which is good for stabilization
of the frame. For fulfilling the
requirement of a comparatively
efficient system, bracing elements
are placed at nearly 45 degrees.
This arrangement is strong and
compact.
 Braced Systems

Horizontal bracing:
Horizontal bracing systems purpose is the transfer of
horizontal loads from columns at the perimeter of the
structure to the planes of vertical bracing.
The horizontal forces on perimeter columns are generated
because of wind force pressure on the cladding of the
structure.
There are two major types of horizontal bracing systems
which are used in the multistory braced steel structure
namely: diaphragms and discrete triangulated bracing.
Regarding diaphragms, there are various types of floor
systems that some of them provide perfect horizontal  Horizontal Bracing
diaphragm such as composite floors whereas others such as Placement
precast concrete slabs need specific measures to
satisfactory serve their purpose.
 Bracing System
The horizontal bracing system is too
divided into two major types namely:

•Discrete triangulated bracing

•Diaphragms

Discrete triangulated bracing is taken

into consideration when the floor
system cannot be used as a
horizontal bracing system.
 Bracing System
Some floor systems provide perfect horizontal Diaphragm while others like
precast concrete slabs require specific measures. It can be understood by the
example of steelwork and precast concrete slab as these must be joint together
properly to avoid relative movements.

Discrete triangulated bracing

 Types of bracing
• Single diagonals
Trussing, or triangulation, is formed by inserting
diagonal structural members into rectangular
areas of a structural frame, helping to stabilize the
frame. If a single brace is used, it must be
sufficiently resistant to tension and compression.

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 Types of bracing

• Cross-bracing
Cross-bracing (or X-bracing) uses two diagonal
members crossing each other. These only
need to be resistant to tension, one brace at a
time acting to resist sideways forces,
depending on the direction of loading. As a
result, steel cables can also be used for cross-
bracing . However, cross bracing on the
outside face of a building can interfere with the
positioning and functioning of window
openings. It also results in greater bending in
floor beams.

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 Types of bracing
• K-bracing
K-braces connect to the columns at
mid-height. This frame has more
flexibility for the provision of
openings in the facade and results in
the least bending in floor beams. K-
bracing is generally discouraged in
seismic regions because of the
potential for column failure if the
compression brace buckles.

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 Types of bracing
• V-bracing
Two diagonal members forming a V-shape extend
downwards from the top two corners of a
horizontal member and meet at a center point on
the lower horizontal member. Inverted V-bracing
involves the two members meeting at a center
point on the upper horizontal member . Both
systems can significantly reduce the buckling
capacity of the compression brace so that it is
less than the tension yield capacity of the tension
brace. This can mean that when the braces reach
their resistance capacity, the load must instead
be resisted in the bending of the horizontal
member.

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 Advantages of Bracing
ADVANTAGES OF BRACED FRAME STRUCTURE:

•Due to bracing, lateral story displacement, story drift, axial force and bending
moment in columns reduces to a notable level.
•The braced frames resist the wind and seismic forces more than the non-
braced buildings.
•It is cost-effective, easy to erect and flexible to design to get required strength
and stiffness.

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 Disadvantages of Bracing
DISADVANTAGES OF BRACED FRAME STRUCTURE:

•Altitude-dependent changes in seismic region.

•The length of the span is usually restricted to the 40 feet when
reinforced.
•Construction of these frames requires skilled labor

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