The Applied Building Technology Group has created a set of tools designed to simplify and assist in complying with the complexities of the International Residential Code’s (IRC) wall bracing provisions while making it easier to consider various code-compliant wall bracing options for an optimal wall assembly design.
The IRC Wood Wall Bracing Calculator determines allowable stress design (ASD) wind loads (based on user inputs) in accordance with the ASCE 7 standard and certain and certain conservative assumptions used to develop and simplify the IRC wall bracing prescriptive requirements. The user is encouraged to confirm the suitability of this tool for the intended application, verify all outputs and recommendations, and seek professional advice as determined necessary.
In addition, the IRC Wall Bracing Code Compliance Guide - recently updated to reflect the 2024 building codes - provides builders, designers, and plan reviewers a practical and comprehensive understanding of how to apply the IRC bracing provisions for code-compliant dwellings efficiently and cost-effectively, as well as how the IRC bracing provisions can be used to create maximum value in a diverse housing market.
CALCULATOR FACTS SHEET: "Right-Sized" Wall Bracing IRC Wall Bracing Code Compliance Guide Structural Resources