In a Braced Frame?

A braced frame is a structural system designed to resist wind and earthquake forces. Members in a braced frame are not allowed to sway laterally (which can be done using shear wall or a diagonal steel sections, similar to a truss).

What are braced frames used for?

Braced frame systems are extensively used when designing buildings to resist seismic loads; they are inherently stiff and are designed to efficiently dissipate energy from an earthquake by yielding at predetermined locations.

What is a Unbraced frame?

A structural framework in which the resistance to lateral load is provided by the bending resistance of its structural members and their connections.