Bracing Options for Webs Revisited

Stress-rated lumber attached with the long dimension at right angles to the web member of a truss is often considered the standard means of “bracing” the web member to prevent buckling under load. Often referred to as lateral bracing (LB) or continuous lateral bracing (CLB), a basic requirement when applying this type of lateral restraint is that the web member requiring bracing “lines up” with the web members of adjacent trusses that also require restraint. The complexities of most roof systems built today require a myriad of different truss configurations, resulting in very few trusses having the same web pattern. This can lead to confusion with installers as to how to “brace” the webs.

Question

I’ve got a residential roof with 46 different truss types. Several of the Truss Design Drawings show webs that need bracing and call out a lumber lateral brace. How am I supposed to brace the webs when there are only a few cases where I have more than one or two of the same truss web configuration?

Answer

There are many different ways to restrain the web members in a truss. As long as there are at least two adjacent trusses with the same or similar web configurations, lateral restraint (i.e., lateral bracing) methods can be used. These methods typically include the use of lateral restraint in combination with diagonal bracing (DB). The lateral restraints are installed to reduce the buckling length of the web(s), but must be restrained laterally to prevent the webs to which they are attached from buckling together in the same direction. Properly installed DB provides the restraint and transfers the forces from the laterals to the roof and ceiling diaphragms.

For groups of at least three trusses, attach the lateral restraint at the locations shown on the Truss Design Drawing together with a DB on the opposite side of the webs at an angle to the lateral (Figure 1). Be sure to extend the DB from the top chord of the first truss to the bottom chord of the last truss, attaching the brace to each web that it crosses. This provides rigidity that prevents the webs from displacing laterally. For long continuous runs of lateral restraint, DB should be installed at no more than 20' intervals, unless a closer spacing is specified by the Registered Design Professional/Building Designer.

If there are only two adjacent trusses in which the webs align, the single DB must be attached to each web and the lateral restraint. One way to accomplish this is to install the DB on the opposite side of the web that the lateral restraint is attached. Attach the DB near the top of the web of the first truss and near the bottom of the web of the second truss. Install dimension lumber blocking, of the same depth as the webs, directly behind the lateral restraint, and attach the blocking to both the lateral restraint and diagonal brace (Figure 2).

When each adjacent truss is of a different configuration so that none of the webs requiring bracing align, web bracing can be accomplished by installing either a single diagonal brace or web reinforcement. A single diagonal brace, without a lateral restraint, can be used to brace the web by attaching the diagonal near the mid-span of the web. The ends of the diagonal must be cut to fit snugly against the top and bottom chords of the adjacent trusses and toe-nailed to each (Figure 3). (Note: the single diagonal brace is acceptable only if one restraint is required for the web.)

Web reinforcement can also be used and, in many cases, is a more efficient and economical option. Web reinforcement is accomplished by attaching a piece of stress-rated lumber to the web, thereby increasing its cross-section. The reinforcement can be added to the edge of the web to form a “T-” or “L-Reinforcement,” or may be added to the face of the web (i.e., scab). Pro-prietary metal reinforcement may also be available, and some truss manufacturers will “build” individual member reinforcement into the truss by plating an additional piece of lumber to the edge of the web in a “stacked” configuration (Figure 4). Lumber reinforcement must be a single piece at least 90 percent of the length of the web.

The single diagonal brace and web reinforcement options satisfy the bracing needs for individual trusses and truss members, but not the stability bracing for the entire building system. Building system bracing design is the responsibility of the Registered Design Professional.

BCSI-B3, Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords and Web Members, a publication jointly produced by SBCA and the Truss Plate Institute (TPI), provides general industry recommendations and methods for restraining web members against buckling. SBCA’s Technical Note T-DissimilarWebs06, Bracing Webs in Trusses that have Dissimilar Configurations, also provides information. Both of these publications can be obtained by visiting the SBCA website at sbcindustry.com. Standard details for bracing individual truss web members may also be available from the Truss Designer.