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TCA Bracing Guide Version 18.1 Now Available

Bracing Guideline

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) announces the availability of the completely revised TCA Guideline for Temporary Wind Bracing of Tilt-Up Concrete Panels During Construction version 18.1. This release supersedes all previous versions.

Version 18.1 of this guideline, updated by Joseph J. Steinbicker, P.E., S.E., FTCA, incorporates the methodology of ASCE/SEI 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, to calculate the limit state wind loads to be used to design the temporary erection braces and their connections. This guideline is intended to be used in conjunction with ASCE/SEI 7-16 for access to the figures and tables referenced throughout the guideline.

A significant departure from previous versions of this guideline is the adoption of strength design principles so that the design of the braces and their connections is consistent with other material design principles and standards. As an alternative to using strength design principles to design the braces and their connections, the use of Allowable Stress Design (ASD) principles is equally acceptable per version 18.1 of the guideline.

Another significant change in this version is the inclusion of the effect openings have on the effective wind loads applied to the braces. Panels with large openings can see a significant reduction in the applied brace forces.

This guideline continues the use of a Risk Category I structure, the same as the 2012 edition. However, to reflect the overall reduction to the basic wind speeds for Risk Category I structures in ASCE/SEI 7-16, the basic design wind speed adopted for this guideline is 100 mph. Applying the 0.8 adjustment factor for projects whose duration is six weeks to one year, results in a strength level design wind speed of 80 mph. Therefore, for this guideline, the Basic Wind Speed adopted for calculating the limit state wind loads is 80 mph, Exposure C, for a Risk Category I structure.

“The updated TCA guideline interprets the wind load provisions of the recently published ASCE/SEI 7-16 document as they relate to the specific requirements of our industry,” said Andrew McPherson, past president of the TCA. “This guideline, along with previous versions, was written specifically for the tilt-up industry and is intended to be the standard for temporary bracing of tilt-up panels. As such, we encourage our members to clarify in their proposals and/or contracts that they are utilizing the TCA Guideline for Temporary Wind Bracing of Tilt-Up Concrete Panels During Construction version 18.1. This establishes for all parties the basis of the temporary bracing design, thus avoiding confusion at a later time. Without the provisions of this document, guidance on bracing decisions would be left to other entities or guidelines that could be less applicable to our specific industry resulting in potentially higher brace loads.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) regulates the construction of buildings with concrete panels by requiring the panels to be temporarily braced to prevent panels from overturning or collapsing during construction. “Although, OSHA does not specify how to prevent panels from overturning or collapsing,” said James Baty, TCA’s manager for regulatory and technical affairs, “the TCA is a primary reference in their documentation of interpretation and guidance and provides a recognized standard for this critical phase of the project.”

The TCA Guideline for Temporary Wind Bracing of Tilt-Up Concrete Panels During Construction version 18.1 is available from the TCA in print and digital formats.

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TILT-UP TODAY, a publication of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, is THE source for Tilt-Up industry news, market intelligence, business strategies, technical solutions, product information, and other resources for professionals in the Tilt-Up industry. A subscription to TILT-UP TODAY is included in a TCA membership. Subscriptions for potential TCA members are also available. If you would like to receive a complimentary subscription to the publication, please contact the TCA.