Section R602.10.3 provides eight different methods which can be used as braced wall panels. The installation requirements and limitations for each method are described in the IRC. The minimum length of each method is described below. The panels are placed at each end of the wall line (or within 12'-6" for wind zones, and 8'-0" for seismic zones from the end). The panels are spaced no more than 25 feet on center and not less than a certain percentage of that wall line. The areas of the wall between the braced wall panels can be sheathed with any type of sheathing material.

Braced wall panel methods

1. 1x4 let-in diagonal bracing or approved metal strap devices such as Simpson RCWB and WB/WBC Wall Bracing products (minimum length of 4'-8" for a 8 ft plate height, 5'-3" for a 9 ft, and 5'-10" for a 10 ft)
2. 5/8" thick diagonal wood boards (minimum length of 4 ft)
3. Wood structural panel sheathing (minimum length of 4 ft)
4. Structural fiberboard sheathing (minimum length of 4 ft)
5. Gypsum board with fasteners at 7"o.c. (minimum length of 8 ft for single or 4 ft for double sided wall)
6. Particleboard wall sheathing panels (minimum length of 4 ft)
7. Portland cement plaster (minimum length of 4 ft)
8. Hardboard panel siding (minimum length of 4ft)

Considerations

• Additional foundation details not required
• Braced wall panel does not have to be located directly at each end of the wall line
• All other non-braced wall panel sheathable areas of the structure can be sheathed with any type of sheathing material
• Number of braced wall panels in a single wall line is dependent on the seismic design category or wind zone (per table R602.10.1)