Where is temporary horizontal bracing attached when erecting trusses?

Temporary horizontal bracing is crucial during the erection of trusses as it helps maintain their stability and alignment before permanent bracing is installed. Attaching the temporary bracing near the ridge line of the truss provides the best location for several reasons.

First, positioning the bracing near the ridge line helps to effectively distribute lateral forces and prevents the trusses from twisting or swaying during the erection process. This location capitalizes on the inherent structural integrity of the truss design, where the top chords are under compression, and assists in keeping the upper part of the truss rigid.

Furthermore, attaching the bracing at the ridge line supports the overall geometry of the truss, making it easier to maintain a straight line and accurate angles as more trusses are added. As the construction progresses, this also simplifies the connection points for the trusses, making subsequent phases of the project, such as the installation of the roof sheathing or other structural elements, much smoother.

In contrast, placing the temporary bracing along the lower chord or near the tail does not provide the same level of support as it can lead to instability. Bracing along the webs might help in local areas but won't provide the necessary overall stability and alignment needed during the critical erection phase.