R602.11.2

Section R602.11.2 is titled 'Stepped foundations in seismic design categories D₀, D₁ and D₂' and covers requirements for wall construction. For buildings with stepped foundations that vary more than 4' from top of foundation to wall above (along a braced wall line) in certain seismic zones, the requirement to construct and connect the sill and cripple wall in accordance with this section is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent structural failure.

The model shows 2 variations covered and allowed by this section with highlighted upper top plates to provide clarity on where plate splits occur. The 1st variation resembles the cross-referenced figure with the top plate spliced where the foundation is stepped and metal ties joining the spliced members; the 2nd conforms to the language of item #1 with the top plate overlapping the cripple wall and the foundation by 4'. (An example of the note of the cross-referenced figure is not shown in this model.)