"2003 IRC, R602.3.2 Top plate. Wood stud walls shall be capped with a double top plate installed to provide overlapping at corners and intersections with bearing partitions. End joints in top plates shall be offset at least 24 inches. Plates shall be not less than 2-inches nominal thickness and have a width at least equal to the width of the studs."
Code change in 2006;
"2006/2009 IRC, R602.3.2 Top Plate. Wood stud walls shall be capped with a double top plate installed to provide overlapping at corners and intersections with bearing partitions. End joints in top plates shall be offset at least 24 inches. Joints in plates need not occur over studs. Plates shall be not less than 2-inches nominal thickness and have a width at least equal to the width of the studs."
I can understand the second (uppermost) top plate end joints, not being required to occur over studs (example: a rafter and ceiling joist or floor joist, secured over the end joint); where pressures from dead loads and live load movement (reroofing, joist traffic, etc) shouldn't cause the two plates to seperate.
But, the inference is that the first (lower) top plate end joint also, does not need to occur over a stud; and in this case, (example: a rafter and ceiling or floor joist, occuring over the end joint); where movement caused by live loads could cause the two top plates to seperate at that point.
Am I nit-picking; or could this be a problem over time? I don't believe the nailing together (one (1) 10d nail, 24" o.c.) of the two top plates is designed to carry dead and live loads to the structural elements; without the lower top plate end joints being supported by a stud.
"2003/2006/2009 IRC, R601.2 Requirements. Wall construction shall be capable of accommodating all loads imposed according to Section R301 and of transmitting the resulting loads to the supporting structural elements."
I seek everyones view; but, would like some Engineer's input here also.
Thinking out loud,
Uncle Bob
Code change in 2006;
"2006/2009 IRC, R602.3.2 Top Plate. Wood stud walls shall be capped with a double top plate installed to provide overlapping at corners and intersections with bearing partitions. End joints in top plates shall be offset at least 24 inches. Joints in plates need not occur over studs. Plates shall be not less than 2-inches nominal thickness and have a width at least equal to the width of the studs."
I can understand the second (uppermost) top plate end joints, not being required to occur over studs (example: a rafter and ceiling joist or floor joist, secured over the end joint); where pressures from dead loads and live load movement (reroofing, joist traffic, etc) shouldn't cause the two plates to seperate.
But, the inference is that the first (lower) top plate end joint also, does not need to occur over a stud; and in this case, (example: a rafter and ceiling or floor joist, occuring over the end joint); where movement caused by live loads could cause the two top plates to seperate at that point.
Am I nit-picking; or could this be a problem over time? I don't believe the nailing together (one (1) 10d nail, 24" o.c.) of the two top plates is designed to carry dead and live loads to the structural elements; without the lower top plate end joints being supported by a stud.
"2003/2006/2009 IRC, R601.2 Requirements. Wall construction shall be capable of accommodating all loads imposed according to Section R301 and of transmitting the resulting loads to the supporting structural elements."
I seek everyones view; but, would like some Engineer's input here also.
Thinking out loud,
Uncle Bob
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