Let-In Bracing

[jwhitmer]

I have a contractor asking about replacing interior wood OSB shear walls with Let-In bracing.

This is a townhome project originally design under the 2015 IBC, seismic design category D. They want to save money by not having to install sheathing or get the interior shear walls inspected.

I cannot find anything about let-in bracing as approved systems for shear resistance in the code.

Anyone know if the IBC has any info on Let-in bracing and if this is allowed?

 

[JAE]

Under the IBC, you can go into section 2308 and design the building under the provisions of "light conventional framing" using braced wall lines, etc.
This is a provisional code methodology (vs. actually doing calculations).

In the 2015 IBC, there is a provision for 1x4 let in wood diagonal bracing shown in Table 2308.6.3(1).

Again, you have to use the entire 2308 to design your building....IF.....it is allowed under the restrictions listed in 2308.2