Structural Engineering · Engineering Glossary
A braced frame is a structural system that resists lateral forces — wind and seismic — through diagonal steel members arranged in a vertical truss pattern within a bay of the building frame. Braced frames are one of the primary lateral force resisting systems for steel buildings.
Common braced frame configurations include X-bracing, chevron (inverted-V) bracing, single-diagonal bracing, and eccentric braced frames (EBFs). In seismic design, special concentrically braced frames (SCBF) and buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBF) are designed to yield in compression without buckling, providing ductile energy dissipation. The structural engineer must design the brace members, connections, columns, and beams in the braced bay to resist the design lateral forces. The location of braced frames must be coordinated with the architect because they occupy full bays and limit openings in those walls. Apex Grid's structural engineers design braced frame systems for new and retrofit applications.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide structural engineering services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
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