1. Understanding the 2012 IRC Brace Wall Methods
in section R602.10

2. R602. 10. 1 Braced Wall Lines (BWL’s). R602. 10. 1
R Braced Wall Lines (BWL’s) R – Length of Braced Wall Line
Defines Distance Between the end as;
-At intersections with a perpendicular BWL
-At angled BWL
-At exterior wall
-Establishes the concept of the “imaginary line” used to establish the location of the Braced wall Line (BWL) -Plans must clearly indicate the location of the BWL’s for proper assessment
R – Offsets along BWL
No more than 4’ from the designated BWL location
No more than 4’ for interior walls used as BWL’s

3. R – Spacing of BWL’s
-Using table R for wind condition 85 mph to
< 110- not more than 60”
Intermediate BWL’s through the interior
shall be permitted
R Locations of Braced Wall Panels
Within 10’ from each end of BWL
20’ between measured from edge to edge R
-BWL’s less than 16’ shall have two panels of
any qualified length or one 48” or more.
Greater than 16’ needs to have a minimum of two BWP’s R
Sub-paragraph 1 directs you to use two tables, one using
Wind speed and the other is the adjustment factor table.

4. Sample house- as shown on plan
Find the required length of bracing for BWL 3
Givens-
-90 mph wind (2012 IRC)
-Exposure C
-One story
-Eave -to-ridge height 10’
-Walls 12’
30’
20’
40’

5. Begin your Calculations
#1 - Choose your requirements
Table R (1)
-Spacing(Between BWL’s)
-Method of bracing WSP (wood structural panels)
= Required minimum length of BWP is 5.5’

6. #2 Adjustment Factors
Exposure category -one story – condition “C”- Adj. Factor= 1.2
Roof eave -to-ridge height- roof only- 10’=1.0
Wall height Adjustment- 12’= 1.10
Number of BWL- 3=1.30
Total required 5.5
5.5’ x 1.2 x 1.0 x 1.1 x 1.3=
9.44’ of required BWP
Along that one BWL you will need
9.44’ of bracing (Adjusted factor)
Compare each BWL using this same
Method and provide on the
Plans.

7. Calculate the remainder of the house ;bracing methods,
Using Tables R ,R & R
Calculate the remainder of the house ;bracing methods,
bracing methods minimum length with opening, short walls, hold downs, etc.

8. Contact your local jurisdiction if you have any questions
Make sure to have all your Braced Wall Lines on the plan
Identify all Braced Wall Panels by method used and location along the BWL
Show hold down location for Alternate Brace Panels
Contact your local jurisdiction if you have any questions