Steel Strap X-bracing 1

[dik]

Has anyone used 16 or 18 gauge steel straps for wood stud wall cross-bracing? Used it for CFS stuff, but not for wood. Any good references?

thanks, Dik

 

[jike]

I think strapping on wood walls is mainly used to help in the construction process, that is to square up the walls. The main problem in using strapping is the inadequacy of the end connections.


Much easier to use strap bracing with CFS or steel framing.

 

[Ron]

Dik...if you can develop the shear capacity in the fasteners, have at it!

 

[dik]

Thanks... that's where I thought the problem would be... just not used to wood stuff. I have CFS for the North and South Walls and currently wood for the West wall (There is no East wall). Maybe consider using CFS for all walls.

Dik

 

[bhiggins]

It is common practice for engineers in my locale to specify steel strap x-bracing or 1x4 wood let-in bracing without any real calculations or detailing. They pretty much look at the plans and place straps where they want based on their feelings. A lot of engineers in my area neglect wind bracing in favor of pleasing the architects and builders.

I'm definitely against the practice of designing with feelings. I have never encountered any research on metal x-bracing, but here is a paper which states an allowable design value for 1x4 let-in bracing of 1,400 lbs with a SF of 2 based on testing.

http://www.xpsa.com/pdf/CrandellIRCBracingMethodsandDesignValuesWhitePaper.pdf

This load value assumes 2-8d common nails at each stud intersection point, so I would imagine similar results from metal bracing in lieu of a 1x4 if fastened similarly.

 

[dik]

bhiggins:

Looking at much greater loads... have a 30'x40' building with 3 walls. End wall takes full lateral load, plus, torsional component.

Dik

 

[XR250]

dik,

Why can't you use the sheathing or metal siding (if applicable) for bracing?

 

[dik]

xr250... lateral forces are too high for conventional panels. The architect has three windows to help remove whatever panel there might have been. Looked at bracing, the windows interfere with this too... looking at a small steel portal frame.

Siding may be a possibility, but, the architect likely wants to retain his stucco finish.

Dik