Which statement is true regarding walls and racking forces?

The statement about walls needing to be designed to resist racking forces is true because racking forces result from lateral loads, such as wind or seismic activity, acting on a building. These forces can cause walls to deform or shift, which could lead to structural failures if the walls are not adequately designed to handle such stresses.

In any construction, especially for framed structures, it is essential for walls to incorporate specific design elements, like bracing or sheathing, to improve their rigidity and strength against these lateral forces. This ensures the overall stability and safety of the building.

A misunderstanding may arise regarding which walls are relevant to such forces, but it’s important to recognize that all walls, not just load-bearing ones, must be considered in the design to prevent these potential hazards. Consequently, the design of any wall should account for racking forces to ensure structural integrity.