Cold-Formed Steel X-Brace Design

Course Outline

X-braces are one of the most commonly used lateral bracing systems for cold-formed steel structures. This course provides detailed guidance on the design and detailing of steel strap X-braces, from wind pressure calculations to lateral drift analysis to connection design. A six-story apartment building with load-bearing stud walls is used as an example to illustrate the design concepts and procedures for X-braces. Typical details are also presented for both light duty and heavy duty applications. This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Understand the lateral load path;
• Layout X-braces for a building;
• Identify the required components of an X-brace;
• Understand design procedures for X-braces;
• Determine the wind pressure and lateral loads;
• Determine the size and thickness of the bracing straps;
• Design the screwed connections;
• Design the welded connections;
• Calculate the lateral drift;
• Detail various end connections;
• Select appropriate holdowns; and
• Identify two types of X-brace configurations.

Course Content

The content of this course is located within the quiz section. Payment for the course is required prior to accessing the course content and the quiz.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

CFSEI Technical Note L001-09 (a PDF file)
ClarkDietrich - Light-gauge steel X-bracing
Simpson-Strong Ties: Cold Formed Steel Connectors For Residential and Mid-Rise Construction

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

---

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.org or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

---