The 2004 IRC Supplement defines in Section R602.10.6.2 a new method for bracing
which allows walls to be built 16" long for a one-story home or 24" for a two-story home.
As shown in the figure, this method requires significant additional framing, including a
continuous header over the top of the wall segment tied to the studs below, to allow the
panels to be so narrow.
The new braced wall panel provisions are limited in their use as described in the considerations below. Recently a proposal was submitted to expand the use of this system which was voted down in Sept. 2005 at the ICC Detroit Hearings. Click here for more information.
Considerations
May not be accepted by jurisdictions under the 2000 or 2003 IRC.
Walls must be supported directly on concrete foundations. Not permitted on masonry foundations.
Header shall be framed over the top of the wall as shown in the figure. The end not shown shall be supported by either double studs attached with the same strap and holdown (replaces a single braced wall panel) or the same panel shown in the figure (replaces two braced wall panels).
In continuously sheathed structures in Seismic design categories A to C, the walls on each side of the garage opening only can be built similar to the figure except:
No holdowns are required
Only a single sill plate with two anchor bolts at 1/3 points are required
Gypsum is required on the inside of the wall in accordance with IRC Chapter 7
The wall shall have a minimum length one-sixth the height of the wall segment (6:1 aspect ratio)
Corner framing must be installed in accordance with figure R602.10.5
