Commercial Building Inspector B2Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsHard
A commercial building inspector is reviewing the design for a concrete tilt-up wall panel. The panel is 8 inches (203 mm) thick and 20 feet (6096 mm) tall. What is the minimum amount of lateral support required for this wall panel during construction before it is connected to the roof or floor diaphragm?
- AContinuous lateral support at the top.
- BTemporary bracing at the top and one intermediate point.
- CTemporary bracing to prevent overturning and buckling, designed by a registered design professional.
- DTemporary bracing at mid-height.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Temporary bracing to prevent overturning and buckling, designed by a registered design professional.
Concrete tilt-up panels are slender and susceptible to instability during erection. IBC Section 1905.1.7 requires temporary bracing for tilt-up walls to prevent overturning and buckling, and this bracing must be designed by a registered design professional. The specific details of bracing depend on the panel dimensions, loads, and site conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Continuous lateral support from a diaphragm is the final condition, not the temporary bracing during construction.
- B. While multiple brace points are likely needed, the critical aspect is the engineering design.
- D. Mid-height bracing alone is insufficient for tall, slender panels.
Tilt-Up Wall Temporary Bracing
Temporary bracing required for concrete tilt-up wall panels during construction to ensure stability against overturning and buckling.
- Tilt-up panels are inherently unstable until permanently connected.
- Bracing design must be by a registered design professional.
- Bracing prevents accidents and structural damage during erection.
Memory trick: Tilt-up walls: brace it right, or it takes flight.