---
title: "Define strut load and braced cut"
subject: "Foundation Engineering"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_5/foundation_engineering:define-strut-braced-cut"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/define-strut-braced-cut
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define strut load and braced cut

Foundation Engineering · Chapter 4: Arching in Soils and Braced Cuts

- Asked in: 2079 Bhadra, 1+1 marks
- Video: [Braced Cuts Part 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkz0IxeyvyU) — Jennifer Camino
- Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5 on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/define-strut-braced-cut
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/foundation_engineering/chapter-4

## Question

Define strut load and braced cut.

## Short answer

A braced cut is an excavation with vertical sides held by horizontal bracing members (wales and struts) installed progressively. Strut load is the compressive force in a strut, computed as the reaction per metre of sheeting at that level times the horizontal strut spacing.

## Answer

**Braced cut:** an excavation with vertical or nearly vertical sides whose walls (sheet piles, or soldier piles with lagging) are held in place by horizontal bracing members (wales and struts) installed as the excavation proceeds, so the sides do not collapse.

**Strut load:** the compressive force carried by a strut, equal to the reaction per metre of the sheeting at the strut level multiplied by the horizontal (centre to centre) spacing of the struts: $P = R \times s$.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is a braced cut?
   A. Sloped excavation without support
   B. Excavation with vertical sides held by wales and struts as excavation proceeds
   C. Retaining wall
   D. Tunnel
   Answer: B. Sheeting is supported by horizontal bracing. (Key point: Braced cut)

2. How is strut load computed?
   A. P = R x s, reaction per metre times strut spacing
   B. P = R/s
   C. P = gamma H
   D. P = Ka gamma
   Answer: A. Sheeting reaction per metre acts over the spacing. (Key point: Strut load)

3. What kind of force does a strut carry?
   A. Tension
   B. Compression
   C. Torsion
   D. None
   Answer: B. A strut is a compression member across the cut. (Key point: Nature of strut force)

## Related in Foundation Engineering

- [Strut loads in braced cut](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Astrut-loads-bracing-system) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 4
- [Strut loads, 8 m cut in sand](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Astrut-loads-8m-cut-sand) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 4
- [Choosing pressure diagram for braced cut](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Apressure-diagram-sand-clay-braced) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 4
- [Braced cut design versus retaining wall](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Abracing-vs-retaining-wall) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 4, asked 2×

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