Question

According to figure R602.6(1) "Notching and bored hole limitations for exterior and bearing walls", any notch put in a bearing wall may only be ____ of the depth of the member?

1) 1/4
2) 1/3
3) 1/2
4) 2/3

Answer 1

The maximum allowable notch depth for a bearing wall according to figure R602.6(1) is 1/3 of the depth of the wall member, ensuring structural integrity and load-bearing capacity are maintained.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to figure R602.6(1) “Notching and bored hole limitations for exterior and bearing walls,” any notch put in a bearing wall may only be 1/3 of the depth of the member. This requirement is set to ensure the structural integrity of the wall is not compromised by the notches. Notching beyond this limit could significantly affect the wall's ability to bear loads and could lead to structural failure. In the context of an exterior wall composed of different layers, like drywall, insulation, and siding, adhering to proper notching limits is crucial for maintaining the wall’s thermal performance as well as its structural stability.

The discussion of heat flow through a well-insulated wall, as outlined in the reference information, speaks to the wall’s thermal efficiency, another critical aspect of wall construction. However, thermal efficiency does not directly relate to notching limitations, which are more a matter of structural engineering principles.