Lateral Design of Residential Structures
Lateral loads, such as wind and earthquake forces, are critical to the structural performance and safety of houses, yet they’re often an overlooked or misunderstood part of residential design.
This practical course on Lateral Design of Residential Structures is designed to give you the clarity and skills to confidently tackle lateral loading in compliance with the Australian Standards. We begin by exploring wind loading for housing based on AS 4055, including how to assess wind classifications and apply pressure zones correctly. You’ll also learn how AS 4055 compares with the more detailed AS/NZS 1170.2, giving you the understanding needed to choose the right approach for your project.
From there, we dive into the application of AS 1684.2, covering the most common bracing systems used in timber-framed houses. The course will guide you through the design of both subfloor and superstructure bracing, explaining how to establish effective lateral load paths throughout the building.
We’ll also introduce the requirements of earthquake loading for houses as outlined in AS 1170.4.
To consolidate your learning, the course concludes with a fully interactive case study: the lateral bracing design of a real duplex project. You’ll work through the process step by step alongside the instructor—bringing together code knowledge, design strategies, and real-world application.
Whether you're new to lateral design or want to sharpen your approach to wind and seismic bracing, this course equips you with the practical tools to deliver safe, code-compliant outcomes with confidence.
What you will study
Lateral wind loading based on AS4055 (Wind Loads for Housing)
Comparison against AS1170.2
Common bracing systems in residential houses based on AS1684
Subfloor and supersturtcure bracing
Lateral earthquake loading for houses based on AS1170.4
Interactive design of lateral bracing for a Duplex project
Course Overview
Code
CSEE0325 (Ver 01)
Duration
2 hr
Next Available Workshop
Course Fee
$300+GST
Location
Online
Kickstart Your Engineering Career with Practical Training That Matters
Are you a student or recent graduate preparing to enter the job market? Or a skilled migrant engineer struggling to gain local experience?
Our hands-on training program - developed in collaboration with top Australian engineering firms - is designed to bridge the gap between your knowledge and industry expectations.
Gain the confidence and skills to deliver real projects, guided by experienced industry professionals. This is not just theory—you’ll learn the practical, job-ready skills needed to design buildings and contribute from day one.
Stop waiting for an opportunity. Build your experience and stand out in the Australian engineering market.
Our Training Workshops
WHY CSEE?
At the Centre for Structural Engineering Education (CSEE), we offer practical, hands-on training workshops designed to bridge the gap between university education and industry expectations. Our programs are tailored for students, recent graduates, and migrant engineers seeking to build confidence, enhance competency, and gain exposure to real-world structural engineering practices in Australia.
Delivered through live, interactive sessions, our workshops focus on Australian standards and practical applications—from footing design and steel detailing to sustainability considerations and industry workflows. Participants walk away with a stronger grasp of engineering principles, the ability to tackle real project scenarios, and a growing portfolio of work to present to potential employers.
Each course is developed and taught by experienced professionals, ensuring the training is industry-relevant and up-to-date. Upon completion, participants receive certificates to validate their commitment to professional development and lifelong learning.
Personalised
Learning Experience
We prioritise quality education by offering live training sessions instead of pre-recorded online videos. This personalised approach ensures that every session is tailored to your learning needs, allowing you to ask questions, receive instant feedback, and progress at your own pace.
Project-based
Learning Experience
While universities typically teach design codes in a theoretical context, we go a step further by integrating these codes into hands-on projects. Students will not only study Australian standards and relevant design tools, but also apply them directly in designing realistic residential and structural projects, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Mentorship
by Industry Experts
Throughout the workhops, you’ll benefit from one-to-one mentorship by senior structural engineers with extensive industry experience. Their guidance will help you navigate complex design challenges, understand best practices, and gain insights into the professional world of structural engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
