SPS 321.25(8)(a)(a) General. Dwellings using wood-framed walls shall be braced in accordance with this section. Where a building, or a portion thereof, does not comply with one or more of the bracing requirements in this section, those portions shall be designed and constructed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. SPS 321.25 NoteNote: Acceptable engineering wall bracing practices include any of the following:
SPS 321.25 Note1. The provisions under section R602.10 or R602.12 of the International Residential Code (IRC) – 2012.
SPS 321.25 Note2. Design in accordance with the engineering basis of the 2012 IRC bracing provisions, such as described in Crandell, J. and Martin, Z., “The Story Behind the 2009 IRC Wall Bracing Provisions (Part 2: New Wind Bracing Requirements),” Wood Design Focus, Forest Products Society, Peachtree Corners, GA, Spring 2009.
SPS 321.25 Note3. Installation instructions from the manufacturer of the bracing product that are compliant with s. SPS 321.02. SPS 321.25 NoteNote: For a walk-out basement where some of the walls are concrete and other walls or portions thereof are wood-framed, the Department considers a minimum 8-inch-nominal-thickness poured-in-place concrete basement wall as being equivalent in lateral load and shear resistance to any of the allowable wood-framed wall bracing materials. To determine the required bracing for a walk-out basement, first draw a rectangle around the entire floor plan and projections as if all of the walls are wood-framed. Determine the required bracing amounts per the chosen bracing material and method and then locate the bracing to meet the requirements of Figure 321.25-C. Any required braced wall panel locations that occur on a wall or portion of a wall that is actually of poured-in-place concrete construction is considered equivalent, and that amount of bracing will count towards the minimum required amount and will not need to be provided in another location on that rectangle side.
SPS 321.25(8)(b)(b) Bracing Materials and Methods. Wall bracing shall consist of the materials and methods listed in Table 321.25–G or approved alternatives capable of providing the required wind load resistance as determined in accordance with s. SPS 321.02 (1) (c). aThe interior side of all exterior walls shall be sheathed with minimum ½-inch gypsum wallboard unless otherwise permitted to be excluded by this subsection. All edges of panel-type wall bracing, except horizontal joints in GB bracing, shall be attached to framing or blocking.
bThe actual measured wall height shall include stud height and thickness of top and bottom plates. The actual wall height shall be permitted to exceed the listed nominal values by not more than 4½ inches. Tabulated bracing amounts in s. SPS 321.25 (8) (c) are based on a 10-foot nominal wall height for all bracing methods and shall be permitted to be adjusted to other nominal wall heights not exceeding 12 feet in accordance with footnotes to Table 321.25–I or Table 321.25–J. cLIB is not permitted for walls supporting a roof and two floors. Two LIB braces installed at a 60o angle from horizontal shall be permitted to be substituted for each 45o angle LIB brace.
dBracing with CS-WSP and CS-SFB shall have sheathing installed on all sheathable surfaces above, below, and between wall openings.
dShall be attached to the top and bottom plates and any intermediate studs, in one continuous length.
eEach braced panel may contain no more than one hole, having a maximum dimension of no more than ten percent of the least dimension of the panel, and confined to the middle three-fourths of the panel.
aSheathing shall extend from the top of the top plate to the bottom of the bottom plate and may be multiple sheets. All joints shall be blocked.
bInterpolation is permitted.
Figure 321.25–A
METHOD PF – PORTAL FRAME BRACE CONSTRUCTION
COMMON STUD AND
ONE OR MORE
SHOULDER STUDS
PER S. SPS 321.25 (3) (b)
NAIL SOLE PLATE TO
JOIST PER TABLE IN
CH. SPS 325
APPENDIX A
NAIL SOLE PLATE TO
JOIST PER TABLE
IN CH. SPS 325
APPENDIX A
NAIL SOLE PLATE TO
JOIST PER TABLE
IN CH. SPS 325
APPENDIX A
EXTENT OF HEADER WITH SINGLE PORTAL FRAME PANEL
NAIL SOLE PLATE TO
JOIST PER TABLE IN
CH. SPS 325
APPENDIX A
Note: Steel headers are permitted if designed by structural analysis.
Note: As shown in the above cross-section, 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard is not required on the interior side of the wall.
SPS 321.25(8)(c)(c) Bracing amount. Bracing methods and materials complying with Table 321.25–G shall be applied to walls in accordance with all of the following requirements: SPS 321.25(8)(c)1.1. For the purpose of determining bracing amounts, the outermost extents of the building plan at each floor level shall be circumscribed with a rectangle to define the overall length of each building side as shown in Figure 321.25–B. SPS 321.25(8)(c)2.2. In no case may the amount of bracing be less than two braced wall panels on walls parallel to each rectangle side for each floor level of the building. SPS 321.25(8)(c)3.3. Where used, the number of intermittent brace panels applied to walls parallel to each rectangle side shall comply with Table 321.25–I. SPS 321.25(8)(c)4.4. Where used, the total length of continuous sheathed brace panels applied to walls parallel to each building side shall comply with Table 321.25–J. SPS 321.25(8)(c)5.5. The location of brace panels applied to walls parallel to each building side shall comply with Figure 321.25–C. SPS 321.25(8)(c)6.6. Balloon-frame walls may be no longer than 21 feet and shall have a maximum height of two floors unless constructed in accordance with an approved design. Wall framing shall be continuous from the lowest floor to the wall top plate at the roof. All edges of sheathing shall be supported on and fastened to blocking or framing. Braced wall panels may not be required on the balloon-frame wall portion provided the bracing amount and brace spacing requirement are satisfied for the building side. Where brace panels are located on the balloon-frame wall portion, they shall have a height-to-width ratio of not more than 2.5:1. SPS 321.25(8)(c)7.7. For a gable end wall, if the brace-panel height does not exceed 12 feet at the highest portion and if the 12½-foot and 21-foot spacing requirements in Figure 321.25–C are met, the wall is adequately braced. Where a brace panel exceeds 12 feet in height, it shall have a height-to-width ratio of not more than 2.5:1, and comply with Figure 21.25–C. FIGURE 321.25-B
DEFINING BUILDING SIDES AND LENGTHS WITH ONE OR MORE
CIRCUMSCRIBED RECTANGLESa,b,c
(1) Basic floor plan
(2) Angled-building-side pland
(3) Angled floor plane
aEach floor plan level shall be circumscribed with one or more rectangles around the entire floor plan at the floor level under consideration as shown. When multiple rectangles are used, each side shall be braced as though it were a separate building and the bracing amount added together along the common wall where adjacent rectangles overlap or abut.
bRectangles shall surround all enclosed plan offsets and projections. Chimneys, partial height projections, and open structures, such as carports and decks, shall be excluded from the rectangle.
cEach rectangle shall have a maximum rectangle length-to-width ratio of 3:1.
dProjected contributing lengths of angled braced wall panels shall be assigned to the closest rectangle sides, as shown for the angled corner in the angled-building-side-plan shown above.
eBraced wall panels located on a common wall where angled rectangles intersect, as shown in Figure 321.25-B(3), shall have their contributing length applied towards the required length of bracing for the parallel rectangle side and its projected contributing lengths towards the adjacent angled rectangle sides. Where the common side of rectangle 2 as shown in Figure 321.25-B(3) has no physical wall, the portion shall be designed in accordance with s. SPS 321.25 (8) (a). TABLE 321.25–I
REQUIRED NUMBER OF INTERMITTENT BRACED WALL PANELS
ON WALLS PARALLEL TO EACH RECTANGLE SIDE
AT EACH FLOOR LEVELa,b,c,d,e,f, h, j
aInterpolation is permitted. Extrapolation to buildings larger than addressed in this table is prohibited.
bThis table applies to wind exposure category B. For wind exposure category C or D, multiply the number of braced wall panels required by 1.3 or 1.6, respectively.
Wind exposure category B is comprised of urban and suburban areas, wooded areas, or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger. Exposure B shall be assumed unless the site meets the definition of another type exposure.
Wind exposure category C is comprised of flat, open country and grasslands with scattered obstructions, including surface undulations or other irregularities, having heights generally less than 30 feet extending more than 1,500 feet from the building site in any quadrant. This exposure also applies to any building located within Exposure B type terrain where the building is directly adjacent to open areas of Exposure C type terrain in any quadrant for a distance of more than 600 feet.
Wind exposure category D is comprised of flat, unobstructed areas exposed to wind flowing over open water for a distance of at least 1 mile. This exposure applies only to those buildings and other structures exposed to the wind coming from over the water. Exposure D extends inland from the shoreline a distance of 1,500 feet or 10 times the height of the building or structure, whichever is greater.
cTabulated values are based on a nominal wall height of 10 feet. For nominal wall heights other than 10 feet and not more than 12 feet, multiply the required number of brace panels by the following factors: 0.9 for 8 feet, 0.95 for 9 feet, 1.15 for 11 feet, or 1.3 for 12 feet.
dTabulated values are based on a roof with a top-of-wall-to-ridge height of 10 feet. For top-of-wall-to-ridge heights other than 10 feet, multiply the required number of brace panels by the following factors for each floor level support condition:
Roof only – 0.7 for 5 feet, 1.3 for 15 feet, or 1.6 for 20 feet
Roof + 1 Floor – 0.85 for 5 feet, 1.15 for 15 feet, or 1.3 for 20 feet
Roof + 2 Floors – 0.9 for 5 feet or 1.1 for 15 feet.
eWhere minimum 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard is not included on the interior side of the wall, multiply the number of braced wall panels by 1.7 for LIB bracing or 1.4 for all other bracing methods, except this increase is not required for the portal frame method.
fAdjustments in footnotes b to e apply cumulatively. Fractions of panels shall be rounded to the nearest one-half braced wall panel.
gPerpendicular sides to the front and rear sides are the left and right sides. Perpendicular sides to the left and right sides are the front and rear sides. See Figure 321.25–B.
hThe following braced wall panel conditions shall be permitted to be counted as one-half a braced wall panel toward meeting the required number of panels: (1) one 60 degree LIB; (2) one 48” GB or one 96” GB with gypsum wallboard on one side; (3) one 36” WSP or SFB braced wall panel for wall heights not more than 9 feet; (4) a 48” WSP or SFB braced wall panel where there is no more than one unblocked horizontal joint; or (5) one PF brace panel complying with Figure 321.25–A.
iThis value of less than 2 serves only as the beginning value for calculation purposes. The resulting value shall be 2 or greater, to be consistent with subd. 2.
jAny floor, habitable or otherwise, that is contained wholly within the roof rafters or roof trusses is exempt from being considered a floor for purposes of determining wall bracing if the top-of-wall-to-ridge height does not exceed 20 feet and if no opening in the roof exceeds 48 inches in height.
aInterpolation is permitted. Extrapolation to buildings larger than addressed in this table is prohibited.
bThis table applies to wind exposure category B. For wind exposure category C or D, multiply the required length of wall bracing by 1.3 or 1.6, respectively. Wind exposure categories are as defined in Table 321.25–I footnote b.
cTabulated values are based on a nominal wall height of 10 feet. For nominal wall heights other than 10 feet, multiply the required length of bracing by the following factors: 0.90 for 8 feet, 0.95 for 9 feet, 1.05 for 11 feet, or 1.10 for 12 feet.
dWhere minimum ½-inch gypsum wallboard interior finish is not provided, the required bracing amount for the affected rectangle side shall be multiplied by 1.4, except this increase is not required for the portal frame method.
eAdjustments in footnotes b to d apply cumulatively.
fPerpendicular sides to the front and rear sides are the left and right sides. Perpendicular sides to the left and right sides are the front and rear sides. See Figure 321.25–B.
gContinuous sheathing shall be applied to all surfaces of the wall, including areas between brace panels and above and below wall openings.
hWhen used on a wall line with continuous sheathing, each portal frame panel is counted for its actual length in contributing toward the length of continuous sheathing used on other portions of the same wall line, such as the building side at a given story level.
iAny value of less than 4.0 in this table serves only as the beginning value for calculation purposes. The resulting value shall be 4.0 or greater, to be consistent with Table 321.25–H and subd. 2.
jAny floor, habitable or otherwise, that is contained wholly within the roof rafters or roof trusses is exempt from being considered a floor for purposes of determining wall bracing if the top-of-wall-to-ridge height does not exceed 20 feet and if no opening in the roof exceeds 48 inches in height.
Figure 321.25–C
LOCATION OF BRACED WALL PANELS ALONG A BUILDING SIDEa
aA braced wall panel can be anything from one-half to one brace panel.
SPS 321.25(8)(d)(d) Braced wall panel support. Braced wall panels shall be supported on floor framing or foundations as follows: SPS 321.25(8)(d)1.1. Where joists are perpendicular to braced wall lines above or below, blocking shall be provided between the joists at braced wall panel locations to permit fastening of wall plates in accordance with the fastener table in the ch. SPS 325 Appendix A. SPS 321.25(8)(d)2.2. Where joists are parallel to braced wall lines above or below, a rim joist or other parallel framing member shall be provided at the wall to permit fastening of wall plates in accordance with the fastener table in the ch. SPS 325 Appendix A. SPS 321.25(8)(d)3.3. Braced wall panels shall be permitted to be supported on cantilevered floor joists meeting the cantilever limits of s. SPS 321.22 (6) provided joists are blocked at the nearest bearing wall location, except such blocking is not required for cantilevers not exceeding 24 inches where a full height rim joist is provided. SPS 321.25 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, November, 1979, No. 287, eff. 6-1-80; cr. (1) (d) and am. (3) (b), Register, February, 1985, No. 350, eff. 3-1-85; r. and recr. (3) (b), am. Table 21.25 B and E, Register, January, 1989, No. 397, eff. 2-1-89; am. (3) (a) and (6), Register, March, 1992, No. 435, eff. 4-1-92; r. and recr. (1) (c), am. Table 21.25-D, cr. Table 21.25-F, Register, November, 1995, No. 479, eff. 12-1-95; am. Table 21.25-A, Register, January, 1999, No. 517, eff. 2-1-99; r. (1) (b) and (c), renum. (1) (d) to be (b), r. and recr. (2), (6) and Tables 21.25-E and F, and am. (3) (b) 3., Register, March, 2001, No. 543, eff. 4-1-01; CR 02-077: r. (3) (c) Register May 2003 No. 569, eff. 8-1-03; CR 08-043: am. (1) (title), r. (1) (b), renum. (1) (a) and (6) (a) 4. to be (1) and (6) (a) 5., r. and recr. Table 21.25-A, cr. (6) (a) 4., (7), (8) and (9) Register March 2009 No. 639, eff. 4-1-09; correction in Figure 21.25-E made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 2009 No. 639; CR 09-104: am. 21.25 (8) (e) 2., Table 21.25-H, (9) (b) 3., Table 21.25-J, Figure 21.25-G (c), (9) (c) 4. Register December 2010 No. 660, eff. 1-1-11; correction in (1), (2) (b) 3., (3) (a), (6) (c) 2., (d), (8) (c) 1. d., 2. c., (d), (e) 2., 3., (f) 2., (g) 3., (h) 2. b., (9) (b) 1., 2. b., d., 4. b., c., i., (c) 2. (intro.), b., c., d., 3., 4., 5. a., c., d., g., h., i., Table 321.25-H, Figure 321.25-F, -H to -K made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register December 2011 No. 672; EmR1403: emerg. am. Table 321.25-A, (7) (d), r. and recr. (8) (b), (c), Tables 321.25-G to 321.25-J, Figures 321.25-A to 321.25-C, r. (8) (d) to (f), renum. (8) (g) (title), (intro.), 1. to 3. to (8) (d) (title), (intro.), 1. to 3., r. (8) (g) 4., (h), (9), Tables 321.25-K, 321.25-L, Figures 321.25-D to 321.25-K, eff. 4-1-14; CR 14-015: am. Table 321.25-A, (7) (d), r. and recr. (8) (b), (c), Tables 321.25-G to 321.25-J, Figures 321.25-A to 321.25-C, r. (8) (d) to (f), renum. (8) (g) (title), (intro.), 1. to 3. to (8) (d) (title), (intro.), 1. to 3., r. (8) (g) 4., (h), (9), Tables 321.25-K, 321.25-L, Figures 321.25-D to 321.25-K Register August 2014 No. 704, eff. 9-1-14; CR 15-041: cr. (2m), renum. (3) (intro.), (a), (b) to (3) (am), (bm), (cm), cr. (3) (am) (title), am Table I (title), Table J (title) Register December 2015 No. 720, eff. 1-1-16; CR 15-043: am. (8) (d) 1., 2. Register December 2015 No. 720, eff. 1-1-16. SPS 321.26SPS 321.26 Masonry walls. Masonry walls shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section. SPS 321.26(1)(1) Cold weather work. When ambient air temperature is below 40°F, the cold weather construction procedures under ACI 530.1 shall be followed. SPS 321.26 NoteNote: The requirements for cold weather work are in sections 1.8 and 1.8C of the 2005 edition of the ACI standard.
SPS 321.26(2)(a)(a) Unused concrete units. Previously unused concrete masonry units shall conform to the ASTM C 90 standard. SPS 321.26(2)(b)(b) Unused clay or shale units. Previously unused clay or shale masonry units shall conform to the appropriate ASTM standard: C 62; C 216; or C 652. Units which will be exposed to weathering or frost action shall be Grade SW as specified in these standards. SPS 321.26(2)(c)(c) Used masonry units. All previously used masonry units shall be free from physical defects which interfere with the installation or impair the structural properties of the unit.
