What component provides lateral support for load-bearing studs?

What component provides lateral support for load-bearing studs?

• A. Bridging
• B. Blocking
• C. Sill plate
• D. Tie beam

Answer: (A)

Lateral restraint of studs in a load‑bearing wall is provided by cross-bridging between the studs. Bridging acts as braces that tie adjacent studs together, preventing them from twisting or buckling under load and plaster forces, and helping the wall stay stiff and true. Blocking, while it provides a solid backing for nails and helps transfer loads locally, is not primarily about resisting lateral buckling along the height of the wall. The sill plate sits at the bottom and anchors the wall to the foundation, and a tie beam is used to tie walls together at a higher level to resist racking, not to provide continuous lateral support for individual studs.

Lateral restraint of studs in a load‑bearing wall is provided by cross-bridging between the studs. Bridging acts as braces that tie adjacent studs together, preventing them from twisting or buckling under load and plaster forces, and helping the wall stay stiff and true. Blocking, while it provides a solid backing for nails and helps transfer loads locally, is not primarily about resisting lateral buckling along the height of the wall. The sill plate sits at the bottom and anchors the wall to the foundation, and a tie beam is used to tie walls together at a higher level to resist racking, not to provide continuous lateral support for individual studs.