A prescriptive exterior bearing wall has several studs field-spliced end to end with 24-inch 2x4 scabs. No approved splice design or alternative is supplied. Under 2021 IRC R602.3 and R104.11, how should the splices be judged?
- AAutomatically acceptable because any scab twice the stud width restores full capacity
- BAutomatically acceptable anywhere in the middle third of a stud
- CAutomatically acceptable if neighboring stud splices are staggered
- Do not accept the unapproved field splices; establish compliant stud continuity or an approved alternative design
Where to look it up
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3836/Lennox/3042182/2021_International_Residential_Code.pdf
Why D is correct
R602.3 requires studs continuous between their stated supports. A field scab is not automatically a compliant substitute for that continuity; R104.11 provides the alternative-design approval route and its equivalency criteria. Full-height replacement or an appropriately approved splice may resolve the finding. The former claim that any scab transfers exactly zero axial load is not established: actual connection behavior requires its design and fastening details. Certified end-jointed lumber is separately addressed by R602.1.1, rather than being identical to an unapproved field splice. Source: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3836/Lennox/3042182/2021_International_Residential_Code.pdf