Yes narrow is in demand. But also the issue is, can the shear wall length start at the corner or do I have skip around the windows 100%. Say I have 8' of windows starting 18" from the corner and I have a 14' long wall overall. My possible 14' shear wall just went to 4.5' because of 6" (18" is less than 24" -see the code). That is a big deal in hold down calculation and anchorage. I can still work with 4.5' yes, but now I maybe anchoring into footings (what crazy nonsense us engineers can think up!). Yes there are other options... always options. Getting architects, owners and contractors to understand anything, much less appreciate the difference between 18" and 24" because of a code provision, is all near impossible however.
So ranting done. 2'-0" limit seems somewhat arbitrary while being mostly reasonable. Anybody familiar with the source of this?
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MAP