Resilient Channel or Hat Channel: Use to Meet the Lateral Restraint/Bracing Requirements of the Bottom Chords of Wood Truss Floor Systems

Minimum top and bottom chord permanent lateral restraint/bracing of structural roof or floor trusses is assumed to be adequate when using code-compliant roof and/or ceiling diaphragms. This lateral restraint/bracing is typically accomplished with code-compliant roof /floor sheathing and fastener spacing and/or code-compliant gypsum ceiling material and fastener spacing or purlins at a given on-center spacing.

When assemblies are specified for fire or sound rating, the assembly may call out either resilient channel, furring channel or hat channel at a given on-center spacing. This report addresses how lateral restraint/bracing requirements may be met when the gypsum sheathing is not directly attached to the bottom chord.