Lateral bracing of moment frame beams in light-framed wood building

Current code has two requirements for the strength and stiffness of lateral bracing of moment frame beams. These requirements can be easily achieved for a rigid diaphragm, however the stiffness requirement is difficult to satisfy in a flexible diaphragm for example a light-framed wood diaphragm. The objective of this research is to explore the threshold when the beam will be engaged into lateral torsional buckling, and if the diaphragm in a light-framed wood building can deliver forces large enough to induce lateral torsional buckling. The findings from this research will improve current practice in the seismic retrofit of light-framed wood buildings and enable professional engineers to determine whether this lateral bracing is necessary or not.