ICC Subscriptions
 
R602.10.3 Minimum length of braced panels. For Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP and HPS, each braced wall panel shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) in length, covering a minimum of three stud spaces where studs are spaced 16 inches (406 mm) on center and covering a minimum of two stud spaces where studs are spaced 24 inches (610 mm) on center. For Method GB, each braced wall panel and shall be at least 96 inches (2438 mm) in length where applied to one face of a braced wall panel and at least 48 inches (1219 mm) where applied to both faces. For Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP and HPS, for purposes of computing the length of panel bracing required in Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2), the effective length of the braced wall panel shall be equal to the actual length of the panel. When Method GB panels are applied to only one face of a braced wall panel, bracing lengths required in Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2) for Method GB shall be doubled.

Exceptions:
1. Lengths of braced wall panels for continuous sheathing methods shall be in accordance with Table R602.10.4.2.
2. Lengths of Method ABW panels shall be in accordance with Sections R602.10.3.2.
3. Length of Methods PFH and PFG panels shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.3.3 and R602.10.3.4 respectively.
4. For Methods DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP and HPS in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C: Panels between 36 inches (914 mm) and 48 inches (1219 mm) in length shall be permitted to count towards the required length of bracing in Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2), and the effective contribution shall comply with Table R602.10.3.

TABLE R602.10.3 EFFECTIVE LENGTHS FOR BRACED WALL PANELS LESS THAN 48 INCHES IN ACTUAL LENGTH (BRACE METHODS DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP AND HPSa)

ACTUAL LENGTH OF BRACED WALL PANEL 
(inches) 		EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF BRACED WALL PANEL 
(inches)
8-foot Wall Height 9-foot Wall Height 10-foot Wall Height
48
42
36 		48
36
27 		48
36
N/A 		48
N/A
N/A

 
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. Interpolation shall be permitted.