R602.10

Section R602.10 is titled 'Wall bracing' and covers the requirements for constructing walls that resist lateral loads. The requirement to follow this section, another section of this code which provides for simplified bracing methods, or other methods allowed by cross-reference to other standards or engineered design for the bracing of buildings is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent structural failure. This section and it's subsections is one of the longest and most complex portions of the code, and should be studied carefully to assure proper application in the field. Catastrophic building collapses occur when proper bracing is not installed.

The model shows an x-rayed section of a stud connected to a top plate by 2 end nails, and lateral load being applied to the wall which causes the stud to move out of a perpendicular orientation to the top plate, and which also exceeds the nails' bending yield strength (commonly referred to as 'racking'). Proper bracing prevents this type of structural failure.