Lateral stability
It is important to ensure stability at all stages during construction.
Simple temporary guys or props may be used to ensure the stability of individual columns.
Diagonal bracing is commonly used to achieve lateral stability for the structural frame.
Diagonal bracing has the advantage in that it is installed by the erectors and is usually helpful to them in the erection process. With a minimum of temporary bracing, it will provide stability to the frame and avoid distortions during erection.
Rigid joints can provide lateral stability but are less efficient and more costly.
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Rigid joints are costly to design and install, so are not commonly used for beam and column structures. They will, however, provide stability during construction once the connections have been properly fitted.
Stability in the horizontal plane is also needed but can generally be provided by the floors.
Stability in the horizontal plane is generally provided by the floors, but temporary bracing may be needed if there are significant delays in installing the flooring. In composite construction using profiled metal decking through-deck welded to the beams, a sufficient measure of horizontal diaphragm action is provided even before the floors are poured.
The ideal approach is to install the permanent bracing as early as possible during erection.
Ideally the erection of a structure should commence at an end which is permanently braced. Where this is not possible temporary bracings should be provided at regular intervals before erection proceeds further.
