General Limitations, Notes, and Disclaimers

  1. This tool is based on the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and the technical basis for the wall bracing provisions in Section R602.10 of the IRC; refer also to Crandell and Martin (2009) article in Wood Design Focus journal.
  2. This tool provides the required minimum bracing amount in accordance with 2021 IRC Section R602.10.3, Items 1 and 2 (wind bracing analysis only); for buildings outside of the scope of this tool refer to 2021 IRC Section R602.10 or an engineered design. Seismic bracing analysis, where required by the IRC, is not included and is the responsibility of the user.
  3. For a given Braced Wall Line (BWL) and bracing method as defined by the user, the user must ensure the bracing amount provided meets or exceeds the minimum required and that all of the BWL requirements of IRC Section R602.10.1 and Braced Wall Panel (BWP) requirements of IRC Section R602.10.2 are satisfied, including, but not limited to, requirements for a wind uplift load path (IRC Section R602.10.2.1) and minimum number of BWP (IRC Section R602.10.2.3).
  4. For a user-selected bracing method, the user must ensure the bracing method installation meets construction methods for BWPs in accordance with Section R602.10.4 and Table R602.10.4, including any installation modifications associated with all applicable wind bracing adjustment factors of Table R602.10.3(2).
  5. Where the plan mixes bracing methods within a BWL or between BWLs, the user shall ensure compliance with IRC Section R602.10.4.1 rules for mixing bracing methods.
  6. The user must verify that the provided length of code-compliant BWPs in a BWL meets the requirements of Section R602.10.5 and Table R602.10.5 for minimum length and the "contributing length" of each BWP based on the project-specific application in a user-designated BWL on the building plan.
  7. Where the wood structural panel continuous sheathing (CS-WSP) bracing method is used on one or more BWLs, the user shall ensure that the ends of each BWL using the CS-WSP bracing method comply with the construction requirements of IRC Section R602.10.7 and one of the prescribed details of IRC Figure R602.10.7.
  8. For all bracing methods, the user shall ensure that braced wall panel connection and support conditions comply with IRC Section R602.10.8.
  9. Where narrow panel bracing methods of the IRC are used (e.g., CS-G and CS-PF in combination with CS-WSP continuous bracing methods or PFH and PFG in combination with WSP intermittent bracing methods), user shall be responsible for construction in compliance with Section R602.10.6 as applicable, and to properly substitute for the bracing method selected for the braced wall line where these narrow panel bracing methods are separately applied by the user.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is provided "as is" and no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy of the results obtained. The user must verify suitability for use and compliance with all requirements of the IRC and locally adopted building code and, where appropriate, seek expert advice specific to the proposed construction. This tool is designed for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional engineering or architectural services where required by the IRC or local laws regulating the practice of professional design. This tool is not intended to cover all possible code-prescribed or alternative bracing configurations and may not be suitable for all building designs. Users should consult with a professional engineer or architect or knowledgeable building designer to verify the suitability of this tool and its results for their specific building design.