Lateral Bracing of Columns and Beams

Abstract

There are many situations where it is necessary to determine the characteristics required of lateral bracing in order to counteract buckling of columns or beams, or to decide whether a given bracing system is adequate to provide the required lateral support. In this paper a simple and elementary method is developed which permits one to calculate lower limits of the strength and rigidity of lateral support in order to provide “full bracing” to columns and beams. “Full bracing” is defined as equivalent in effectiveness to immovable lateral support.