Welcome!

Here you will find access to the Part 9 Bracing Calculator, and other useful resources for navigating Part 9 lateral bracing!

WHAT'S NEW?

2025.12.27

Codes Canada has recently published the suite of 2025 National Model Codes, including the National Building Code of Canada 2025 (NBC 2025). This release introduces several helpful technical and administrative updates to [B] 9.23.13, beyond those currently reflected in BCBC 2024.

In anticipation of BCBC 2024 being revised to harmonize with the NBC 2025, I’ll be spending time over the coming weeks updating references within the Part 9 Bracing Calculator, along with related resources on this page—including Checklists, SmaxGPT, and the Course—so they are ready when those changes come into effect.

2025.11.18

I’ve added a new widget to the Tutorials page: Flash Cards. Optimized for mobile and built for on-the-go learning, they’re an evolving set of questions based on The Rules — the non-negotiables in Part 9 lateral bracing design. Check them out, and feel free to share suggestions for future additions.

...and also, an open invitation for early reviewers of the Part 9 Bracing Course!

2025.10.07

Recently, I have been working on some content for the Part 9 Bracing Course, and as that's been developing I have been experimenting with the use of GPTs for the learner interface. I hope to have that course available soon, but in the meantime I thought I'd try a beta launch of another simpler tool: the SmaxGPT.

This Resource links ChatGPTs language models in communication with NRCan's 2020 NBC Seismic Hazard Tool, providing new opportunities for code users to conversationally engage with technical building code content.

If you're interested, head over to the Resources page and check out the new SmaxGPT.

2025.09.20

I have uploaded a new file to the Resources page. The Decks and Other Related Structures — Interpretation Worksheet is a culmination of my current understanding, and various questions I have received, in relation to the application of BCBC2024 Part 9 lateral bracing requirements to decks and other related structures like porches, patios, lanais, pergolas, verandas, breeze-ways, lean-tos, carports and more...

Feel free to share your feedback.

2025.07.07

Construction Standards and Digital Solutions released BCBC2024 Revision Package 6 yesterday. Some of these revisions and errata impact Subsection 9.23.13. I'll be spending some time over the weekend to make sure the changes are reflected in the Part 9 Bracing Calculator, but on a cursory review I think the logic is already covered.

2025.06.14

This project continues to develop and grow. Recently, I've made some changes to the site to include;