What is lacing in steel structure?

As of my knowledge, the diagonal bracing components integrated into the design of steel buildings or structures are referred to as a lacing system in steel structure. In situations where the structure is susceptible to external forces like wind or seismic stresses, these lacing components are employed to provide stability and strength to the entire structure. Let’s learn more about the lacing system below.

Why is lacing provided in steel structure?

The basic goal of lacing is to give the column extra support to prevent buckling and bending from outside loads. Depending on the particular needs of the steel construction, lacing may be seen as diagonal bars or trusses.

• This system aids in preventing the structure from being affected by horizontal forces. These forces might cause the structure to move laterally or deform, which can result in instability. 

• Despite having a high strength-to-weight ratio, steel constructions are nonetheless susceptible to concentrated loads. It can cause stress concentration and eventual failure. The load is spread along the bracing by using lacing members, lowering the stress on individual structural components and raising the structure's total load-bearing capability.

Lacing supports the structural integrity of the structure by resisting horizontal pressures and distributing loads uniformly. Moreover, to know the standards for lacing, you must go through Jagan Reddy’s answer. I hope you found this answer useful.

The joining of the separate elements helps me to keep them in their proper locations with the help of the lacings. The parts of a constructed structure could be joined by lacing and such columns are referred to as laced columns. So let’s see what is lacing in steel structure.

What is a lacing in steel structure?

It is a sequence of components used to join two individual components of a composite beam, shaft, or column such that they function as a single member. The composite section's elements are linked together. Lacing involves joining the column's individual components by means of a network of mostly flat surfaces. Lacing panels can be 6-10 mm thick and 55 to 70 mm wide. This is how you can define lacing in steel structures.

What are the standards for lacing?

1) The compression members with two major parts that are linked and connected must have a gyration radius. It must not be below the radius of gyration about an axis perpendicular to the plane of lacing.

2) The lacing method must be consistent along the whole length of the structure as per the requirement.

3) Single-laced methods on opposite surfaces of the elements being linked together should ideally face the same way. So that they reflect a shadow on one another rather than being in opposition to one another.

4) The minimum lacing bar width must be thrice times the specified diameter of the ending slot in the required construction.

5) Flat lacing rods must have a thickness of at least ⅕ th of their original height for double lacings. And it should not be less than ¼ th of their original height for single lacings.

6) Rolled portions or pipes with comparable toughness may be used in place of flats for lacings.

7) You must locate lacing bars away from the built-up member's axis at a 45° to 70° angle. It must be regardless of whether they are in a single or double arrangement.

You must have understood the lacing in steel structure.