A braced frame is a structural system designed to resist wind and earthquake forces. Members in a braced frame are not allowed to sway laterally.

What are braced frames used for?

Braced frame systems are extensively used when designing buildings to resist seismic loads; they are inherently stiff and are designed to efficiently dissipate energy from an earthquake by yielding at predetermined locations.

What does bracing mean in construction?

In construction, cross bracing is a system utilized to reinforce building structures in which diagonal supports intersect. ... The common uses for cross bracing include bridge (side) supports, along with structural foundations. This method of construction maximizes the weight of the load a structure is able to support.