Bracing Wood Stud Walls with Gypsum Board Sheathing 1

[dengebre]

Is gypsum board sheathing acceptable to use as bracing for an interior loadbearing wood stud wall? Most design examples state that bending about the weak axis of the stud can be ignored if the stud is continuously braced by sheathing. However, the examples do not define what the "sheathing" is. Plywood sheathing is a no-brainer but is gypsum board just as good for bracing? It seems overly conservative to ignore the gypsum board, but relying on 1/2" gypsum board just does not feel right. What is standard practice? Thanks.

 

[dougantholz]

Yes, although you may want to add blocking for construction loads.

 

[DaveAtkins]

Yes, GWB does brace interior wall studs. If it didn't, we would be seeing alot of failures of corridor walls at three story hotels.

DaveAtkins

 

[mla163]

The lateral force required for bracing any column or stud is only something like 5% of its buckling load.

 

[dougantholz]

Also, note that gyp sheathing can be used for shear walls - so it should be good for bracing a stud.

 

[KBVT]

The rule of thumb bracing amount is 2% of the compressive load seen in the compression flange or element.