Load resistance
Bracing enables the roof, wall and floor framework to resist horizontal forces (racking forces) applied to the building. These forces include:
- live loads - people, furniture etc
- dead loads - structural elements
- wind loads.
Wind classifications
The wind classification needs to be known when designing a bracing system.
Winds are classified according to:
- building height
- geographical region
- terrain category
- shielding classification
- topographical classification.
The following are the classifications for non-cyclonic regions:
- N1 - W28N for 100 km/h gust
- N2 - W33N for 120 km/h gust
- N3 - W41N for 150 km/h gust
- N4 - W50N for 180 km/h gust.