Lateralresisting

Lateralresisting, sometimes written as lateral-resisting or described as lateral resistance, refers to the capacity of a structure, component, or system to resist horizontal or lateral loads. These loads include wind, earthquake, vehicle or crowd movement, and earth pressures that act parallel to the ground.

In civil and structural engineering, lateralresisting encompasses the design and performance of lateral-resisting systems such as shear walls, frame action (moment-resisting frames), cross-braced or chevron-braced configurations, and coupled wall systems. The goal is to provide sufficient stiffness to limit sway, adequate strength to avoid failure, and ductility to dissipate energy through inelastic deformation during extreme events.

Successful lateral resistance depends on the continuity and strength of the floor and roof diaphragms, the detailing of joints, and the interaction with foundations and soil. Design uses models and codes to estimate the base shear, distribution of forces, and dynamic response, often employing nonlinear analysis and pushover tests.

Retrofitting for enhanced lateral resistance may involve adding shear walls, braced frames, dampers, or base-isolation systems. Lateralresisting performance is a major consideration in tall buildings, long-span bridges, and infrastructure in seismic zones.