ICC, APA publishes third edition of IRC lateral bracing guide

The International Code Council (ICC) and APA—The Engineered Wood Association have published an illustrated third edition of The Guide to the 2012 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions. The book aims to provide an explanation of the 2012 International Residential Code, while exploring the history and theory behind wall bracing and providing real-world bracing application examples.

“Bracing is one of the most critical, yet most misunderstood, safety elements in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses constructed under the IRC,” says Mark A. Johnson, ICC executive vice president and director of business development. “The guide is an important and helpful resource for inspectors, plan checkers, builders, designers and others involved in residential construction.”

Some of the new edition was adopted from the 2009 edition, but changes have been made to reflect the changes in the 2012 provisions. The book has also been reformatted in an effort to simplify the task of looking up specific provisions.

“The book is written to help the more causal user understand the bracing provisions,” said co-author Ed Keith, “but we have also provided plenty of background information and theory to clarify the principles of bracing to engineers, architects and building officials.”

The book is now available in hardcopy and digital formats.