At my firm we calculate the out of plane deflection for stud walls. The deflection is limited so that the stucco will not crack. Because of the increased wind pressure at the ends of walls, when we get above 9' tall walls we almost always use 12" spacing or tighter for the first 5' of the wall to limit deflection. (The interior studs are typically 16" spacing.)
I understand why the wind pressure at the end of a wall is higher than at the interior. However, it seems that when we are calculating the deflection in a stud, the studs near the end of the wall should benefit from the return wall at the corner. I think that even though the wind pressure is higher at the end, the defection of the stud a mid-height will decrease as the studs get closer to the corner.
Do we need to worry about the stud spacing at the ends of walls?
We are based in Utah and the majority of our work is for homes in Utah and Salt Lake Counties.
I understand why the wind pressure at the end of a wall is higher than at the interior. However, it seems that when we are calculating the deflection in a stud, the studs near the end of the wall should benefit from the return wall at the corner. I think that even though the wind pressure is higher at the end, the defection of the stud a mid-height will decrease as the studs get closer to the corner.
Do we need to worry about the stud spacing at the ends of walls?
We are based in Utah and the majority of our work is for homes in Utah and Salt Lake Counties.