Vertical actions on partition walls may be the result of frame deflections caused by inter-storey drift experienced during seismic or wind loading events or live and/or dead loads on the floor above. In reality, most multi-level buildings need their partitions to allow for some vertical movement, and often there is no allowance made for this, especially above glazed partitions.

Instead of allowing movement at the head tracks of the partitions, it makes much more sense (and make it easier for construction) if the vertical movement is accomodated between the bracing element and the partition itself. This led to the development of the VertiBrace.

After many months of professional testing and refinement, the VertiBrace was launched. It has been tested to laterally brace a partition wall (it can resist 2.4kN (or 240kg))

The Vertibrace is a partition wall bracket comprising a cylinder that connects to the upper surface of a wall structure and a stem that connects to the building structure above. The stem is designed to move within the cylinder along the longitudinal axis of the body. The VertiBrace is installed in the Neutral position. The neutral position is held by a cable tie that is cut once it’s installed, and once free, the VertiBrace will allow for a nom. 25mm up and 25mm downward movement. It completely removes the need for deflection head-track.

The Vertibrace ensures that during a seismic event, the interior walls will not be crushed or pulled apart. It will prevent interior glazing from popping out of the aluminium pockets and support safe egress. More routinely, once the floors are loaded and move, there is no downward pressure experienced by the partition. 

Furthermore, a lining sleeve inside the cylinder reduces noise associated with relative movement of two metal surfaces. This greatly reduces footfall vibrations from transferring down through the partition walls, therefore Vertibrace creates an improved acoustic separation between upper and lower levels.