When looking at a factory building, we often pay attention to the main components such as columns, rafters, and beams. However, there is an important part that acts as a "hidden skeleton" to ensure the entire structure stands firm and stable, which is the steel structural bracing system.
Without bracing, a steel frame structure when subjected to lateral loads (such as wind) will be very weak and susceptible to deformation. This article will explain in detail what bracing is, its role and the main types of bracing in a construction.
1. What is bracing and why is it so important?
Bracing system is a system of steel bars (usually round steel, angle steel or square steel) connected to main structural members (columns, trusses) to form a rigid, shapeless space.
The role of the bracing system is extremely important:
- Ensuring overall stability: Linking individual frames together into a synchronous spatial system, helps the structure to be stable and not deformed geometrically.
- Bear and transmit horizontal loads: Receives loads acting longitudinally on the house (perpendicular to the main frame plane) such as wind loads blowing on the gable wall, the braking force of the crane, and transmits these loads to the foundation.
- Increase stability for compressive structures: Reducing the out-of-plane design length of compression members such as upper flanges of trusses or column shafts makes them more stable and saves material.
- Ensure safety during installation: Create stability for the frame during construction, helping to install the next components safely and conveniently.
2. Main types of bracing systems in industrial factories
A complete bracing system consists of two main parts: roof bracing system and column bracing system.
Roof bracing system
The roof bracing system is arranged in the roof, with the task of ensuring the stability of the roof structure and transmitting wind loads from the roof to the column bracing system. The roof bracing system usually includes 3 components:
- Upper wing brace: Located in the plane of the upper flange of the truss, usually in the form of cross members and longitudinal struts. This system helps stabilize the upper flange of the truss (which is under compression).
- Lower wing brace: Located in the plane of the lower wing of the truss, also includes diagonals and struts. Together with the upper wing brace, it forms a rigid block, which withstands the wind load on the gable wall.
- Vertical brace: Lying in the vertical plane between the trusses, connecting the upper and lower flanges to form an invariant spatial truss system.
Column bracing system
The column bracing system has the function of ensuring the stability of the columns in the longitudinal direction of the house and transmitting the entire horizontal load to the foundation. The column bracing system is often arranged in the same space as the roof bracing system to form a complete rigid block.
- Structure: Includes diagonal braces (usually X-shaped) arranged at both the upper and lower column ranges (if it is a stepped column).
3. When is it necessary to arrange a bracing system?
Bracing systems do not need to be arranged in all compartments. According to general principles, bracing systems (including roof bracing and column bracing) are arranged at:
- The two gables of the building.
- Between thermal blocks (construction sections separated by thermal expansion joints).
- The spaces in the middle of the house should be such that the distance between the bracing blocks is not more than 60m.
The unbraced frames will rest on these rigid blocks through purlins and longitudinal struts.
In short, bracing system is an inseparable part of steel structure. A correct and adequate bracing system design is a prerequisite to ensure safety, stability and long life of the project.
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With more than 25 years of experience in the field of manufacturing & erecting steel structures, Hai Long Construction is proud to be Leading reputable unit, providing customers with complete construction solutions, meeting all needs and requirements.
- Team experienced engineers, architects and experts, knowledgeable about the design and construction of warehouse factories according to international standards.
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- Possessing a system of modern machinery and equipment, three steel structure factories with a productivity of nearly 50.000 tons/year, ensuring quick, accurate and safe construction.
- Professional construction process, is strictly managed.
You are looking for one Prestigious and professional steel structure manufacturing and erection unit? Please contact Hai Long Construction for free consultation and quote:
- HAI LONG CONSTRUCTION JOINT STOCK COMPANY – MEMBER OF TAIYO GROUP
- Address: Taiyo Building, 97 Bach Dang, Ha Ly Ward, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 084 6625 888
- Email: info@hailongjsc.vn
