R602.10.3 Minimum Length of Braced Panels

For Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP and HPS, each braced wall panel shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) in length, covering a minimum of three stud spaces where studs are spaced 16 inches (406 mm) on center and covering a minimum of two stud spaces where studs are spaced 24 inches (610 mm) on center. For Method GB, each braced wall panel and shall be at least 96 inches (2438 mm) in length where applied to one face of a braced wall panel and at least 48 inches (1219 mm) where applied to both faces. For Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP and HPS, for purposes of computing the length of panel bracing required in Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2), the effective length of the braced wall panel shall be equal to the actual length of the panel. When Method GB panels are applied to only one face of a braced wall panel, bracing lengths required in Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2) for Method GB shall be doubled.

Exceptions:

1. Lengths of braced wall panels for continuous sheathing methods shall be in accordance with Table R602.10.4.2.

2. Lengths of Method ABW panels shall be in accordance with Sections R602.10.3.2.

3. Length of Methods PFH and PFG panels shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.3.3 and R602.10.3.4 respectively.

4. For Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP and HPS in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C: Panels between 36 inches (914 mm)and 48 inches (1219 mm) in length shall be permitted to count towards the required length of bracing in Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2), and the effective contribution shall comply with Table R602.10.3.

TABLE R602.10.3
EFFECTIVE LENGTHS FOR BRACED WALL PANELS LESS THAN 48 INCHES IN ACTUAL LENGTH
(BRACE METHODS DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP AND HPS^a)

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

a. Interpolation shall be permitted.

When story height (H), measured in feet, exceeds 10 feet (3048 mm), in accordance with Section R301.3, the minimum length of braced wall panels specified in Section R602.10.3 shall be increased by a factor H/10. See Table R602.10.3.1. Interpolation is permitted.

TABLE R602.10.3.1
MINIMUM LENGTH REQUIREMENTS FOR BRACED WALL PANELS

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

Method ABW braced wall panels 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 R602.10.3. The maximum height and minimum length and hold-down force of each panel shall be in accordance with Table R602.10.3.2:

1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall be installed in accordance with Figure R602.10.3.2. The hold-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.

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 edge nailing spacing shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm) on center.

TABLE R602.10.3.2
MINIMUM LENGTH REQUIREMENTS AND HOLD-DOWN FORCES FOR METHOD ABW BRACED WALL PANELS

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound = 4.448 N.

a. NP = Not Permitted. Maximum height of 10 feet.

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

FIGURE R602.10.3.2
ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANEL

Method PFH 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 R602.10.3 for use adjacent to a window or door opening with a full-length header:

1. Each panel shall be fabricated in accordance with Figure R602.10.3.3. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed in accordance with Figure R602.10.3.3. A spacer, if used with a built-up header, 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. One anchor bolt not less than ⁵/₈-inch-diameter (16 mm) and installed in accordance with Section R403.1.6 shall be provided in the center of each sill plate. The hold-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 as shown on Figure R602.10.3.2. 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).

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound force = 4.448 N.

FIGURE R602.10.3.3
METHOD PFH: PORTAL FRAME WITH HOLD-DOWNS

Where supporting a roof or one story and a roof, alternate braced wall panels constructed in accordance with the following provisions are permitted on either side of garage door openings. For the purpose of calculating wall bracing amounts to satisfy the minimum requirements of Table R602.10.1.2(1), the length of the alternate braced wall panel shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.5.

1. Braced wall panel length shall be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) and braced wall panel height shall be a maximum of 10 feet (3048 mm).
2. Braced wall panel shall be sheathed on one face with a single layer of ⁷/₁₆-inch-minimum (11 mm) thickness wood structural panel sheathing attached to framing with 8d common nails at 3 inches (76 mm) on center in accordance with Figure R602.10.3.4.
3. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed to the header at 3 inches (76 mm) on center grid in accordance with Figure R602.10.3.4.
4. The header shall consist of a minimum of two solid sawn 2×12s (51 by 305 mm) or a 3 inches × 11.25 inch (76 by 286 mm) glued-laminated header. The header shall extend between the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel in accordance with Figure R602.10.3.4. 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.
5. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4448 N) shall fasten the header to the side of the inner studs opposite the sheathing face. Where building is located in Wind Exposure Categories C or D, the strap uplift capacity shall be in accordance with Table R602.10.4.1.1.
6. A minimum of two bolts not less than ¹/₂-inch (12.7 mm) diameter shall be installed in accordance with Section R403.1.6. A ³/₁₆-inch by 2¹/₂-inch (4.8 by 63 by 63 mm) by 2¹/₂-inch steel plate washer is installed between the bottom plate and the nut of each bolt.
7. Braced wall panel shall be installed directly on a foundation.
8. Where an alternate braced wall panel is located only on one side of the garage opening, the header shall be connected to a supporting jack stud on the opposite side of the garage opening with a metal strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds. Where that supporting jack stud is not part of a braced wall panel assembly, another 1,000 pounds (4448 N) strap shall be installed to attach the supporting jack stud to the foundation.

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound force = 4.448 N.

FIGURE R602.10.3.4
METHOD PFG PORTAL FRAME AT GARAGE DOOR OPENINGS IN SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORIES A, B AND C