The approved wall-bracing design permits the 1x4 wood let-in-bracing method in 2021 IRC Table R602.10.4, with studs at 16 inches on center. The installed brace runs at 30 degrees from horizontal. Considering only the method’s angle range, what is the finding?
- ACompliant because angle is unrestricted
- Noncompliant: the stated method uses a 45-to-60-degree angle range
- CCompliant because the brace is flush with the stud faces
- DNoncompliant because this method can never be used in a bearing wall
Where to look it up
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3836/Lennox/3042182/2021_International_Residential_Code.pdf
Why B is correct
Table R602.10.4’s LIB row specifies 1x4 wood or approved metal straps at 45-to-60-degree angles for maximum 16-inch stud spacing. Thirty degrees is outside that range, so this installation cannot be counted under the stated prescriptive method. Material, fastening and overall bracing eligibility still require separate checks. A proposed correction may use compliant geometry or another approved method. The earlier unsupported axial-force explanation and stud-bay rule of thumb are not needed for this finding. Source: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3836/Lennox/3042182/2021_International_Residential_Code.pdf