April 23, 2012 | A subtle change in the 2012 IRC makes the application of the lateral load anchor connection figure more understandable. Under the 2009 IRC, Section R502.2.2.3 confused some readers by its statement that the lateral load figure, “shall be permitted”, only to later state that “devices shall be installed in not less than two locations”. The first statement is clear that the connection is merely allowed by code, but not permitted. However the latter seems to require the use of two or more.
In the 2012 IRC the original intent of the language was clarified, with clear direction. It is only when the connection detail is voluntarily chosen that there must be at least two devices installed. It is merely a design option.
Overall, this is a good win for the industry. Success is had when the language of the code can be made clearer. The more consistently the code is interpreted, the more of a “standard” it can be.
-Glenn
