Foundation straps

[chris mc]

Codeman,
I cannot find the spacing requirements for foundation straps in an 8" brick wall, the question that has come up is distance from a corner.

We are under the 2006 IRC, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Hi Chris,

If you are not in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2., then here is the code - even some requirements for these are in this section: (underlining and bold are mine)
- R403.1.6 Foundation anchorage. When braced wall panels are supported directly on continuous foundations, the wall wood sill plate or cold-formed steel bottom track shall be anchored to the foundation in accordance with this section.
- - The wood sole plate at exterior walls on monolithic slabs and wood sill plate shall be anchored to the foundation with anchor bolts spaced a maximum of 6 feet (1829 mm) on center. There shall be a minimum of two bolts per plate section with one bolt located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) or less than seven bolt diameters from each end of the plate section. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2, anchor bolts shall be spaced at 6 feet (1829 mm) on center and located within 12 inches (305 mm) of the ends of each plate section at interior braced wall lines when required by Section R602.10.9 to be supported on a continuous foundation. Bolts shall be at least 1/2 inch (13 mm) in diameter and shall extend a minimum of 7 inches (178 mm) into masonry or concrete. Interior bearing wall sole plates on monolithic slab foundation shall be positively anchored with approved fasteners. A nut and washer shall be tightened on each bolt of the plate. Sills and sole plates shall be protected against decay and termites where required by Sections R319 and R320. Cold-formed steel framing systems shall be fastened to the wood sill plates or anchored directly to the foundation as required in Section R505.3.1 or R603.1.1.
- - - Exceptions:
- - - - 1. Foundation anchorage, spaced as required to provide equivalent anchorage to 1/2-inch-diameter (13 mm) anchor bolts.
- - - - 2. Walls 24 inches (610 mm) total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels shall be anchored to the foundation with a minimum of one anchor bolt located in the center third of the plate section and shall be attached to adjacent braced wall panels per Figure R602.10.5 at corners.
- - - - 3. Walls 12 inches (305 mm) total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels shall be permitted to be connected to the foundation without anchor bolts. The wall shall be attached to adjacent braced wall panels per Figure R602.10.5 at corners.

If you are in one of those Seismic Design Categories, then this would apply:
- R403.1.6.1 Foundation anchorage in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2. In addition to the requirements of Section R403.1.6, ... (which I can post if you need it)

[chris mc]

Thanks Jerry, so I'm assuming anchor bolts and straps are considered equal?

Edit: After a little studying, is the answer to this question, exception 1?

I am in Rock Hill SC (York county). Looking at R301.2(2) I am very close if not in the C category, is there another reference that is easier than the map.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]