CSLB General Building (B)Framing and CarpentryHard
A contractor is bracing a two-story wood-framed house in a high seismic design category. Per prescriptive braced wall line requirements, what is the maximum allowable spacing between braced wall panels along a braced wall line?
- A25 feet
- B20 feet
- C10 feet
- D15 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 25 feet
Prescriptive braced wall line provisions generally require that braced wall panels be spaced no more than 25 feet apart to ensure adequate lateral load distribution along the wall line, particularly under higher seismic design categories where bracing amount and spacing are more strictly regulated.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 20 feet is closer but still not the maximum permitted spacing per code tables.
- C. 10 feet is overly conservative and not the standard maximum spacing requirement.
- D. 15 feet is not the recognized maximum spacing under prescriptive bracing provisions.
Braced Wall Panel Spacing
Prescriptive bracing requirements limit the maximum spacing between braced wall panels along a wall line to 25 feet, ensuring adequate lateral resistance distribution.
- 25-foot maximum spacing typical
- Panels must meet minimum length requirements per bracing method
- Higher seismic categories require more panels, not just spacing compliance
Memory trick: Twenty-five feet keeps your bracing from spreading too thin.