staggered studs for sound - can these be used as shearwalls 1

[jrj]

Using IBC 2003
Interior stud shear walls
Walls are composed of 2X6 studs spaced at 16" o.c. and studs staggered at 8" o.c. Studs on the left side are in contact with drywall, while studs on the right side are attached to structural 1 sheathing and drywall. According to the architect, sound insulation is placed to provide continuous sound barrier. Studs are not attached to both walls to provide less vibration in the wall.

Can this wall be effective as shearwall with the left side of stud not being attached to drywall? Is there something in the code regarding the use of a staggered wall as a shearwall?

 

[DaveAtkins]

You can use each shear wall, one with GWB and one with OSB, to resist the diaphragm that is attached to it.

DaveAtkins

 

[SperlingPE]

I believe that this situation will fall under engineered design because of the spacing of the studs (greater than 24" o.c.).

 

[jrj]

The stud spacing will be 16" o.c. max with studs from the other side of the wall midway between the studs spaced at 16" o.c. The concern is the backside of the stud left unbraced. Since the backside of the stud is unbraced in both directions, isn't there a concern about the stability of the stud and wall?

As stated earlier, the backside of each stud is not attached to the GWB so that sound installation can sneak by the stud. This construction also allows for better vibration resistance.

DaveAtkins, do you have a source regarding your statement? Is this information from the code, NDS manual, or some other reference?

 

[DaveAtkins]

Per the 1997 NDS, Appendix A, Section A.11.3, a stud with adequate sheathing on ONE side only can be considered braced.

DaveAtkins