bridging

(electricity) Connecting one electric circuit in parallel with another. The action of a selector switch whose movable contact is wide enough to touch two adjacent contacts so that the circuit is not broken during contact transfer.
(mathematics) The operation of carrying in addition or multiplication.
(metallurgy) Formation of arched cavities in a powder compact. Jamming of the charge in a blast or a cupola furnace due to adherence of fine ore particles to the inner walls. Formation of solidified metal over the top of the charge in a mold or crucible.
(mining engineering) The obstruction of the receiving opening in a material-crushing device by two or more pieces wedged together, each of which could easily pass through.

A brace, or a system of braces, placed between joists (or the like) to stiffen them, to hold them in place, and to help distribute the load.