Wall bracing provides racking resistance against horizontal (lateral) racking loads from wind and earthquakes and prevents the wall studs from distorting in the plane of the wall (racking) in “domino fashion” and, thus, prevents building collapse.

Wall bracing provides racking resistance against horizontal (lateral) racking loads from wind and earthquakes and prevents the wall studs from distorting in the plane of the wall (racking) in “domino fashion” and, thus, prevents building collapse.

Case Study #1 illustrates a very simple, affordable home application that presents few challenges in using the IRC wall bracing provisions. Three bracing methods are featured for comparison …

The International Residential Code (IRC) defines 16 bracing methods and defines minimum widths for wall bracing segments based on the construction material and type of bracing method. Keep it simple with fully sheathed wood panel walls.

APA’s Simplified Wall Bracing Method, an enhanced variation on the 2012 IRC simplified wall bracing provisions (Section R602.12), gives builders an affordable, streamlined approach to meeting wall bracing requirements for single-family homes.

This supplement to the IRC Wall Bracing Guide presents two case studies or wall bracing design examples to illustrate the various bracing methods and the provisions in Section R602.10 of the International Residential Code (IRC).

Built by Residential Designers for Draftsman, Designers, Architects, Plan Checkers and Building Officials. Users are guided through the process so even users with little experience can successfully complete a wall bracing plan.