R602.6

Section R602.6 is titled 'Drilling and notching of studs' and covers requirements for maintaining the structural integrity of wall studs. The percentages and locations of notches and bore holes within studs, dependent on the type of wall is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent structural failure. This section has an exception which allows for the use of mechanical devices to maintain the structural integrity in lieu of the limited percentages and locations of the notches and bore holes. The purpose of this exception is to allow for a practical alternative which maintains structural integrity.

The model shows 4 partial 2x4 stud sections, each of which has a notch and a bore hole, as well as being highlighted in the areas where bore holes are not allowed (presuming a stud shoe is not being used). The 1st shows the maximum allowed notch and bore hole percentages for a non-doubled stud used in an exterior or bearing wall. The 2nd shows the maximum allowed notch and bore hole percentages for a doubled stud used in an exterior or bearing wall. The 3rd shows the maximum allowed notch and bore hole percentages for a stud used in an interior non-load-bearing wall. The 4th shows the maximum allowed notch for a stud used in an interior non-load-bearing wall, as well as a bore hole which can be any size (in any type of wall), provided the stud shoe is designed to maintain the structural integrity of the stud.