Cross Bracing

If two diagonals are used, in the form of cross-bracing, they only need to resist tension.

This is because one brace is in tension for the sideways force in one direction on the frame, while the other brace is in tension when the force is reversed.

Steel cables can be used for cross-bracing, as they can be stretched, but not squashed.

<span class="normal">If you had the Flash Shockwave plugin you would be a ble to see an animation of force being applied to a braced frame</span><br> <img src="img/crossbraceintension.gif" width=167 height=165>

<span class="normal">If you had the Flash Shockwave plugin you would be a ble to see an animation of force being applied to a braced frame</span><br> <img src="img/crossbracetension2.gif" width=168 height=168>

Cross-bracing in a
3-storey frame
 

Strengthening Buildings
                  Braced Frames
                          Cross Bracing
from Bristol University