In this article, we are going to discuss what are bracing and the types of bracing. Bracing is very important in the design of structures that are to be earthquake-resistant. bracing is not a very complicated thing. It is a type of steel member which we will discuss in detail later.
Those steel members are connected at the corners by bay frames in each storey of any building structure. Such steel members are called bracing. Bay frames are not used for common structures. They are often used in the design of structures that are earthquake-resistant.
The bracing system carries lateral loads and reduces the effects of seismic shocks. After reading this article, you will know about bracing, and the types of bracing used in building construction.
So far we have known what is bracing. Now we will know how many types of bracing there are.
Types of bracing
Bracing is divided into 6 parts according to different needs in the construction system. which is like this.
- V-type Bracing system
- Inverted V type Bracing system
- K-type bracing system
- X-type bracing system
- Forward Bracing system
- Backward Bracing system
V-type bracing system
V type bracing system is a type of vertical bracing system. The V-type bracing system controls vertical deflection. This type of bracing is connected at three points. In V-type bracing, the 2 ends of the bracing are connected at 2 different points by angles at approximately 45 degrees. And the third end is attached to a point on the opposite side between points 1 and 2.
You can easily understand it from the picture given below. In which V-type bracing is connected at 1, 2, and 3 points respectively.
Inverted V-type Bracing
Inverted V-type bracing is the exact opposite of the V type bracing system. In inverted V type bracing, 2 steel members are attached at 2 points on the frame by two angles forming an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the bottom. The other ends of both steel members are attached to the same point on the frame in the middle of the first two attached points on opposite sides. You can understand it with the help of the picture given below
K type bracing
In K-type bracing, bracing at 3 points makes the English letter K. In K type bracing, 2 ends of bracing are connected at 2 points on top and bottom facing each other. While the other end of both points meets at the third point. And joining with the frame shows the letter K in English. You can easily understand this by looking at the picture given below.
X type bracing
In X type of bracing system, 2 bracings are attached to the four corners of the frame by crossing each other. These building structures are most effective in keeping them stable. x type bracing system is most commonly used. Because the X-type bracing system minimizes the effects of drift and deflection. In this bracing system, only two steel members are connected at 4 points. You can understand it better with the help of the picture given below.
Forward bracing system
In a forward bracing system, only one steel member is attached to two angles in a frame. The thing to keep in mind is that if we denote the 4 corners as 1,2,3, and 4 respectively, then the steel member should be connected at 1 and 4 points. And there should also be a sequence to represent the points from 1 to 4. If these things are not taken care of then forward bracing can turn into backward bracing.
Backward bracing system
Backward bracing is the exact opposite of forward bracing. The Backward bracing consists of a frame. Whose four corners are represented by points 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. And in backward bracing, the steel members are attached at the corners of points 2 and 3. This is the opposite of forward bracing.
Advantage And Disadvantage of Bracing
Just like a coin has two sides, similarly bracing has some advantages and some disadvantages as well. So let us now know about the advantages and disadvantages of bracing.
Advantages of Bracing
- The bracing system resists seismic shocks and wind forces and protects buildings from seismic shocks.
- the bracing system minimizes drift inside the building
- bracing systems used in structures. Holds those structures together, and strengthens them.
- The bracing system is designed according to the required stiffness and strength.
- Bracing systems are less expensive than other types of systems.
- the bracing system transfers lateral load and vertical load equally to the beam
Disadvantages of Bracing
- The span length in the bracing system is limited to only 40 feet.
- Highly skilled craftsmen are required to construct the bracing system
Purpose of Bracing
The purpose of bracing is to keep the structure stable. The braking system also protects the building from falling due to earthquakes and strong winds. It transfers the horizontal force generated in any way to the foundation of the building through the frame and provides safety to the building.
Bracing in Construction
Bracing plays a very important role in any construction. Nowadays bracing should be used in structures in the modern era, as it protects the structures from seismic shocks and strong wind gusts. Bracing transfers the lateral load of the building through the frame to the column.
You should Also Read This:
Conclusion:
Friends, in this article we have discussed the topics related to bracing, such as what is bracing, what are the types of bracing, and bracing in construction, etc.