Wind Borne Debris Prescriptive Wall Requirements

[cfox142]

I have a project near the coast in South Carolina. I am under 2012 IBC with a wind speed of 130 MPH. I plan on having a bypass metal stud system for the exterior walls. The walls are cladding only, my primary lateral system will be moments frames. Are there any prescriptive requirements for wind borne debris for the wall itself? I see several code requirements for the openings and having impact resistant glazing etc. but I don't see any minimum stud gauge or spacing requirements other then just meeting wind loading requirements.

 

[mike20793]

If it's not a FEMA shelter, you just have to meet what is required for design, ie component and cladding pressures on your studs. If it's a FEMA shelter, then you need to have an assembly that meets the wind borne debris criteria listed in the ICC 500.

 

[mike20793]

FWIW, I just did a project on the coast that was 160 mph winds with moment frames and non load bearing steel studs at the exterior. The studs are just a deferred submittal.