How do you interpret the IRC braced wall requirements?

[Polar24]

How do you interpret the IRC braced wall requirements?

The code I'm on (IRC 2015) in my scenario says to space braced walls lines a maximum of 60'

It never says all exterior walls must be braced wall lines. This leaves me to wonder, where
does the first braced wall line need to be?

What constitutes compliance with this section? Whatever the inspector says?

Has anyone come across this issue with the code when trying design for wall
bracing using the prescriptive code method?

Thanks

 

[ANE91]

Read the whole section and, more importantly, the whole code.

R602.10.1: Braced Wall Lines are straight lines.
R602.10.1.1 Braced Wall Lines end at intersections with other Braced Wall Lines or an exterior wall.
R602.10.1.2 Tells you how far away the involved wall (interior or exterior) can be from the Braced Wall Line, which itself is but an abstraction that exists only in your drawings.

The IRC is only a prescriptive code. Designer is free to exceed it and do actual engineering that complies with the next governing code, likely the IBC in your situation. The first Braced Wall Line goes wherever the designer says it goes. Same with the others.

Registered Design Professionals must follow the code, but only the Building Official has enforcement authority. Inspectors execute this enforcement. Designer's/owner's opinion on what complies holds no water against the Building Official. Best to work with the Building Official and not against them.