Comparison between bracing requirements using various codes and a proposed new set of bracing criteria

Abstract

The notable increase in problems related to the bracing of timber roofs clearly indicates that the time is ripe to seriously consider amended rules governing the design of such bracing. Burdzik et a1 have proposed a set of amended rules which are founded on considering the stiffness of the bracing system as a primary criterion. These proposed amended rules are compared with the existing bracing requirements of SASS 0763 (7994) as weN as with the requirements of the Eurocode, EC 5 (7992). AS the proposed revised bracing rules have a stiffness and strength criterion, the strength and stiffness of nailed joints become an important component of the bracing system, which required further investigation. Despite the limited number of test results used to determine the impact of the stiffness criterion, the findings of this paper were confirmed by observations in the field.