Changing Vertical Leg Position for Easier Steel Erection

The Issue

• One common problem during steel erection is the incorrect orientation of bracing.
  
• The correct orientation is bracing toes facing uphill.

• When bracing is installed the wrong way, it must be taken down, rotated, and reinstalled—wasting time and increasing risk at height.

Best Practice Solution

1. Model braces with toes facing uphill
   • Provides a clear reference.
   • Reduces ambiguity for riggers.
2. Review vertical leg positioning during detailing
   • Show correct orientation in shop drawings and models.
3. Integrate checks into workflows
   • Add bracing orientation to erection checklists.

Benefits

• Efficiency: No wasted rework.
• Safety: Fewer adjustments at height.
• Consistency: Standardised practice across projects.

Takeaway
Standardizing bracing orientation and vertical leg position is a small design decision that prevents major site issues.