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Members / Wall Bridging

Wall Bridging Background

Bridging for load bearing studs is needed to resist the following forces:

  1. Weak axis buckling induced by axial compression load.
  2. Torsion induced by wind load.

AISI Wall Stud Design Standard (2004), referenced by 2006 IBC; or AISI-NAS Specification (2007) provides the load and stiffness requirements for bracing members due to the effects of axial compression load and wind load as given in the table below. Contact TSN Technical Support (888) 474-4876 if further information is needed regarding wall bridging design.



As axial compression and lateral wind loads are applied, wall studs react with weak axis buckling and torsional rotation. To offset these forces, a form of bridging is incorporated into the wall system. Bridging loads accumulate over the run of the wall, requiring transfer of lateral forces in bridging at columns or to the floor slab into the structural load path to the foundation.

Bridging Requirements
AISI Wall Stud Design Standard 2004 AISI-NAS Specification 2007

Stud Axial
Compression

 Load Capacity:
Bracing Load PBrace* = 0.02 x Stud Axial Strength (PStud) x # of studs braced.		 Load Capacity:
Bracing Load PBrace* = 0.01 x Stud Axial Strength(PStud) x # of studs braced.
Stiffness Capacity:
Lateral Stiffness ßBrace = 4 x Stud Nominal Axial Strength / Unbraced Length (for one row of bridging).

Lateral Stiffness ßBrace = 6 x Stud Nominal Axial Strength / Unbraced Length (for two rows of bridging).
Wind Load Capacity:
Twist Load PL = 1.5 x Wind Load x Bridging Spacing x m(Shear Center Distance) / Stud Depth.
Twist Moment M1 = PL x Stud Depth.

* Bracing forces accumulate over the run of the wall until anchored.

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