R602.10.4.4

Section R602.10.4.4 is titled 'Panel joints' and covers requirements for wall construction. The requirement for braced wall panel sheathing joints to occur over a common stud or blocking is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent structural failure. This section has four exceptions which exempt joints from needing to occur at a common stud or blocking where other specific arrangements are constructed. The purpose for these exceptions is to exempt joints over common studs or blocking where alternative arrangements provide equivalent structural stability.

The model shows 3 partial braced wall panel section joints using wood structural panel bracing - the 1st is over a common stud; the 2nd is over common blocking; the 3rd is in accordance with exception #2, with highlighted fasteners.