What is the purpose of bracing masonry walls during construction?

Bracing masonry walls during construction is primarily intended to prevent overturning and collapse. Masonry walls can be particularly vulnerable to various forces, including wind load or the weight of materials being placed onto them. Without proper bracing, these walls may not sustain their structural integrity during the construction process, leading to dangerous situations such as falling or tipping over, which can pose significant risks to workers on-site.

By bracing the walls, builders provide additional support that helps to stabilize the structure until it is fully constructed and can support itself. This is vital not only for the safety of workers but also for the overall success of the construction project. The other options, while potentially relevant to different aspects of construction, do not address the critical safety concern that bracing aims to mitigate.