APA System Report 102: APA Simplified Wall Bracing Method

This report describes a simplified wall bracing method that meets the requirements of the 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) simplified wall bracing (Section R602.12). In the development of this report, IRC simplified wall bracing has been modified to increase its applicability to a great percentage of home designs.

This publication is designed for: building code officials, builders, designers

The system described in this report uses the most common type of wall sheathing (structural wood panels), based on their superior structural performance. This report also includes supporting technical information, additional details for IRC simplified bracing provisions, diagrams of floor plans and tables.

Key sections include:

• System description

• Simplified wall bracing methodology

  • Applicability

  • Circumscribed rectangle

  • Wood structural panel sheathing materials and attachment

  • “Qualified” bracing panel

  • Partial credit for CS-WSP panels

  • Computing “qualified” wall bracing length

  • Length of bracing required

  • “Distribution rules” for bracing panels

• Lateral support

• Limitations

• Design example following multiple-rectangle procedure

• Example for computing qualified wall bracing length

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.