blocking benefits
blocking benefits
(OP)
if you have a typical wood stud shear wall 10', 2x6 16"oc with a (ledger connected to it carrying joist) lets say mid height of wall for the sake of example. what would be the advantage of adding blocking in between the studs where the ledger is connected. does that increase the shear capacity of the wall where the ledger is at? i am trying to figure what the benefits of the blocking are and could you go without blocking? i am assuming that it increases shear capacity but maybe i am wrong.






RE: blocking benefits
RE: blocking benefits
RE: blocking benefits
It probably does, but nothing the code allows you to specifically quantify. I would install the blocking to prevent the studs from "rolling over" as it were, from the lateral forces from the floor diaphragm. It's just a good practice.
It will actually serve as fireblocking too, which is a good thing.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: blocking benefits
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: blocking benefits
RE: blocking benefits
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: blocking benefits
Most drywall subcontractors like to place drywall horizontally for ease of placement and less waste. That leaves the horizontal joint unsupported except at the studs. The fire rating is based on the drywall having full support at all joints as the drywall mud and tape over a joint do not have the same fire resistance as the board itself. When fully blocked, the combination of the blocking, tape and mud satify the fire resistance properties, typically for a 1-hour fire rated wall.
RE: blocking benefits
If the wall is 10' high with a ledger at midheight to carry joists, midheight blocking is not going to be at the drywall joint.
BA
RE: blocking benefits