R602.10.6 Alternate Braced Wall Panel Construction Methods

Alternate braced wall panels shall be constructed in accordance with Sections R602.10.6.1 and R602.10.6.2.

TABLE R602.10.6
MINIMUM WIDTHS AND TIE-DOWN FORCES OF ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANELS

SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY AND WINDSPEED	TIE-DOWN FORCE (lb)	HEIGHT OF BRACED WALL PANEL
		Sheathed Width
		8 ft.	9 ft.	10 ft.	11 ft.	12 ft.
		2´ - 4"	2´ - 8"	2´ - 8"	3´ - 2"	3´ - 6"
SDC A, B, and C Windspeed < 110 mph	R602.10.6.1, Item 1	1800	1800	1800	2000	2200
	R602.10.6.1, Item 2	3000	3000	3000	3300	3600
SDC D0, D1 and D2 Windspeed < 110 mph	R602.10.6.1, Item 1	Sheathed Width
		2´ - 8"	2´ - 8"	2´ - 8"	Note a	Note a
		1800	1800	1800	—	—
	R602.10.6.1, Item 2	3000	3000	3000	—	—

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

1. Not permitted because maximum height is 10 feet.

Alternate braced wall lines constructed in accordance with one of the following provisions shall be permitted to replace each 4 feet (1219 mm) of braced wall panel as required by Section R602.10.4. The maximum height and minimum width of each panel shall be in accordance with Table R602.10.6:

1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with ³/₈-inch minimum-thickness (10 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Table R602.3(1) and blocked at all wood structural panel sheathing edges. Two anchor bolts installed in accordance with Figure R403.1(1) shall be provided in each panel. Anchor bolts shall be placed at panel quarter points. Each panel end stud shall have a tie-down device fastened to the foundation, capable of providing an uplift capacity in accordance with Table R602.10.6. The tie down device shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The panels shall be supported directly on a foundation or on floor framing supported directly on a foundation which is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. When the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing or turned down slab edge is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing or turned down slab edge shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped 15 inches (381 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.
2. In the first story of two-story buildings, each braced wall panel shall be in accordance with Item 1 above, except that the wood structural panel sheathing shall be installed on both faces, sheathing edge nailing spacing shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm) on center, at least three anchor bolts shall be placed at one-fifth points.

Alternate braced wall panels constructed in accordance with one of the following provisions are also permitted to replace each 4 feet (1219 mm) of braced wall panel as required by Section R602.10.4 for use adjacent to a window or door opening with a full-length header:

1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 16 inches (406 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with a single layer of ³/₈-inch minimum-thickness (10 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.2. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.2. Use of a built-up header consisting of at least two 2 × 12s and fastened in accordance with Table R602.3(1) shall be permitted. A spacer, if used, shall be placed on the side of the built-up beam opposite the wood structural panel sheathing. The header shall extend between the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel. The clear span of the header between the inner studs of each panel shall be not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) and not more than 18 feet (5486 mm) in length. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1000 pounds (4448 N) shall fasten the header to the side of the inner studs opposite the sheathing. One anchor bolt not less than ⁵/₈-inch diameter (16 mm) and installed in accordance with Section R403.1.6 shall be installed in the center of each sill plate. The studs at each end of the panel shall have a tie-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 4,200 pounds (18 683 N).
   
   Where a panel is located on one side of the opening, the header shall extend between the inside face of the first full-length stud of the panel and the bearing studs at the other end of the opening. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1000 pounds (4448 N) shall fasten the header to the bearing studs. The bearing studs shall also have a tie-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 1000 pounds (4448 N).
   
   The tie-down devices shall be an embedded-strap type, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The panels shall be supported directly on a foundation which is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. The foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom.
   
   Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing or turned down slab edge is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing or turned down slab edge shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped not less than 15 inches (381 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.
2. In the first story of two-story buildings, each wall panel shall be braced in accordance with Item 1 above, except that each panel shall have a length of not less than 24 inches (610 mm).
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
   FIGURE R602.10.6.2
   ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANEL ADJACENT TO A DOOR OR WINDOW OPENING