What is the determining factor for the need for lateral bracing in the High Bay Area?

The need for lateral bracing in the High Bay Area is primarily influenced by large openings in the east and west walls. When a building has significant openings, such as large windows or doorways, it can compromise the structural integrity against lateral forces, like wind or seismic activity. These openings reduce the effective stiffness of the walls, making them less capable of resisting lateral loads. As a result, additional bracing becomes necessary to ensure the building can withstand those forces without undergoing excessive movement or failure.

While the height of the building might also be a factor in considering lateral stability, the presence of large openings directly affects how lateral loads are transferred through the structure. Similarly, the weight of the materials and climate conditions could influence overall design choices, but they are not the primary determiners of the need for that specific type of bracing in this scenario.