Stud to Stud Bracing

[apeffer]

Understanding that Table R602.3(1) item 8 details how to fasten studs to eachother, as an inspector I cannot verify they were connected correctly. In order to 'show' they are fastened, most of my contractors strap them together using Simpson CS16 straps across at an angle. Simpson does not have any guidance regarding this specific application using CS16, but if it is angled right, the holes will align up in such a way to fit perfectly in the middle of any 2x stud vertically. Does anyone know where this is written?

 

[steveray]

WOW.....Talk about requiring something that is not required....I'd be a little more concerned about what load requires 9 studs to carry it...

And Welcome to THE Forum!

 

[BN4537]

Does anyone know where this is written?

It's not.

That is not something that is worth trying to check. There is no reasonable way to verify compliance with Table R602.3(1) stud to stud connections on any studpack bigger than 3 studs, and it's largely irrelevant from a practical structural perspective. It's not at all a normal thing to check nationwide.

The strap is largely useless at that angle; what is going to pull the studs apart diagonally? Even if there were such a force, the top and bottom plates would block the movement. The strap is not going to help much horizontal movement because that direction is not in the strength axis of the strap. The studs can't move vertically because they are captured by the top and bottom plates. There are many important code provisions that need to be checked pertaining to framing, and unless the contractors you have are WAY better than mine, if you are catching all of those you will not have time to worry about this one. The OSB sheathing on the outside is locking those studs in place much more than that strap or nails per Table R602.3(1) ever will.

Why are there 9 studs? Is this a multi-story building and you have to spread the load to avoid crushing top and bottom plates? Do you have seismic stuff going on? Normally that is where I see this.

 

[Sifu]

I have seen this before. It has always been specified by the structural engineer. I have not seen a 9 stud column before. Usually the engineer has specifics for 4 studs or more since I know of no prescriptive method beyond 3. Not sure I have seen more than 5, which I believe may be the NDS limit.

 

[redeyedfly]

The strap is largely useless at that angle; what is going to pull the studs apart diagonally?

Buckling. But agreed the strap is unnecessary.