R602.2 Grade of Lumber for Studs

[jar546]

Question:
Section R602.2 requires studs in conventional wood-framed construction to be a minimum grade of No.3, standard or stud grade lumber. Is it the intent of Section R602.2 to require a specific lumber species requirement for studs?

Answer:
No. Section R602.1.1 requires lumber to be identified by a grade mark of an accredited lumber grading or inspection agency with design values complying with DOC PS 20. Section R602.2 specifies minimum grade requirements, while Section R602.3.1 specifies requirements for studs based on size, height, and spacing under various loading conditions. Neither of these sections nor referenced Table R602.3(5) include a reference to a specific lumber species requirement for studs. While the IRC wood construction girder and header span tables are based on four recognized lumber species: Douglas fir-larch, hem-fir, Southern pine, and spruce-pine-fir, Section R602.1.1 does not include a wood species requirement for studs. Therefore, other lumber species for wood studs could be used depending on their grade stamp and the design values that the lumber species were based upon.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Don't need any labeling of lumber in PA. The state made all inspectors lumber graders (with no training).

 

[jar546]

Don't need any labeling of lumber in PA. The state made all inspectors lumber graders (with no training).

That is not exactly what the state statute said and is an oversimplification.

 

[bill1952]

NY allows mills to certify their lumber is equivalent to no. 2 SPF.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

That is not exactly what the state statute said and is an oversimplification.

PA Uniform Construction Code 403.45 (f) A code administrator may act in place of a lumber grading or inspection agency to satisfy the requirements under section 2302.1.1 of the IBC or its successor code.

Don't need no stinking labels.

 

[jar546]

PA Uniform Construction Code 403.45 (f) A code administrator may act in place of a lumber grading or inspection agency to satisfy the requirements under section 2302.1.1 of the IBC or its successor code.

May, but does not have to, and many won't.

 

[Paul Sweet]

If I remember correctly Stud grade is more concerned with straightness than strength, and has a much lower allowable compressive strength than other grades.