In
construction,
cross bracing is a
system utilized to reinforce
building structures in which diagonal supports intersect. Cross bracing can increase a building’s capability to withstand seismic activity from an earthquake. Cross bracing is usually seen with two diagonal supports placed in an X shaped manner; these support compression and
tension forces. Depending on the forces, one
brace may be in tension while the other is slack. Cross bracing can be applied to any rectangular frame
structure, such as chairs and bookshelves. In
steel construction, steel cables may be used due to their great resistance to tension (although not resistant at all to
compression). The common uses for cross bracing includes bridge (side) supports, along with structural foundations. This method of construction maximizes the weight of the load a structure is able to support.