# Cross bracing

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In [construction](/source/Construction), **cross bracing**, also known as **herringbone strutting, blocking, bridging, and dwanging**, are [diagonal supports](/source/Structural_support) that intersect to reinforce structures.[citation needed]

Cross bracing is usually seen with two diagonal supports placed in an X-shaped manner. Under lateral force (such as [wind](/source/Wind_engineering) or [seismic activity](/source/Earthquake_engineering)) one brace will be under [tension](/source/Tension_(physics)) while the other is being [compressed](/source/Compression_(physics)). In [steel construction](/source/Steel_construction), steel cables may be used due to their great resistance to tension (although they cannot take any load in compression). The common uses for cross bracing include bridge (side) supports, along with [structural foundations](/source/Foundation_(engineering)). This method of construction maximizes the weight of the [load](/source/Structural_load) a structure is able to support. It is a usual application when constructing earthquake-safe buildings.[1]

Cross bracing can be applied to any rectangular frame structure, such as chairs and bookshelves. Its rigidity for two-dimensional grid structures can be analyzed mathematically as an instance of the [grid bracing](/source/Grid_bracing) problem.[citation needed]

Cross bracing may employ full diagonals, or corner bracing[2] or [knee](/source/Knee_(construction)) bracing.

The idea of cross bracing is also applied to sport [ram-air parachutes](/source/Ram-air_parachute) to improve their structural integrity.[3]

## Mining tunnels

To add rigidity to the construction of [mining](/source/Mining) [tunnels](/source/Tunnel), the cross-beam connecting between arches is also a type of cross brace. They are often tubular and modified on the ends with [clips](/source/Fastener) or apertures for screw fastening. They serve as a [stiffening](/source/Stiffening) element for the [stability](/source/Mechanical_equilibrium) of a design. This brace could also be an ordinary cross-section wooden cross-beam, or even a board.

Cross bracing can be seen in situations like flooring, where cross braces are put between floor joists in order to prevent movement. It is also commonly used for ship making in order to stand against heavy winds or [extreme weather](/source/Extreme_weather).

## See also

- [Angle bracket (fastener)](/source/Angle_bracket_(fastener)), L-shaped structural fastener for fastening two objects together at an angle
- [Wind brace](/source/Wind_brace), diagonal brace to tie the rafters of a roof together and prevent racking

## References

1. [Reinforce Building With Cross Bracing](http://www.conservationtech.com/FEMA-WEB/FEMA-subweb-EQ/02-02-EARTHQUAKE/1-BUILDINGS/MITIGATIONS/2-W2-cross_bracing.htm), Earthquake Handbook, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Handbook Series, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2002.

1. Tuomi, Roger L. & Gromala, David S. (1977). [*Racking Strength of Walls: Let-in Corner Bracing, Sheet Materials, and Effect of Loading Rate*](https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fplrp301.pdf). No. FPL 301. USDA Forest Service Research Paper.

1. ["Choosing a Canopy"](https://www.uspa.org/about-uspa/uspa-news/choosing-a-canopy). *www.uspa.org*. Retrieved 2023-08-31.

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