Metal Building Bracing Conditions

Metal building frame shown with cable or x bracing.
Metal Building Cable Bracing
When diaphragm bracing is inadequate or not allowed (ie: in high windload situations), the first alternative is to use cable or rod bracing between columns in the form of a letter x. Sometimes referred to as "x-bracing" or "cable-bracing" or "rod-bracing", this method consists of sets of cables or rods in the roof (between the rafters) and in the walls (between the columns). The quantity of locations to be braced is determined by the design criteria.
Metal building portal frame.
Metal Building Portal Frame
A portal frame is a I-shaped sub-frame consisting of two columns and a rafter placed between the two adjacent mainframe columns in a bay. Because of their high cost, portal frames are usually used only after considering the other forms of bracing. When used in a bay with a commercial rollup door, a portal frame will require additional clearance above the rollup door resulting in the need for the height of the building to be increased.
Metal building fixed base wind column bracing.
Metal Building Fixed Base Bracing
A "fixed base" or "wind column" is an additional vertical member, which reinforces a column, that attaches to the foundation. This form of bracing is commonly used when x-bracing causes an interference with framed openings in a particular bay. Wind columns do require modifications to the foundation design and will result in higher concrete costs.
Metal building diaphragm bracing with standard PBR panel.
Metal Building Diaphragm Bracing
Diaphragm bracing utilizes the diaphragm resistance of the wall panels to transmit lateral wind or seismic forces to the foundation. Diaphragm action utilizes undisturbed sheeting (large areas of the wall without any framed openings), floor to roofline, and assumes all wall panels are installed correctly.

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