(1)
Where the lintel spanning the opening is more than 3 m long, studs shall be tripled on each side of the opening so that
(a)
the two inner studs on each side extend from the bottom of the supported lintel to the top of the bottom wall plate, and
(b)
the outer stud on each side extends from the bottom of the top wall plate to the bottom wall plate.
(2)
Except as provided in Sentence (3), where the lintel spanning the opening is not more than 3 m long, studs shall be doubled on each side of the opening so that
(a)
the inner studs on each side extend from the bottom of the supported lintel to the top of the bottom wall plate, and
(b)
the outer stud on each side extends from the bottom of the top wall plate to the bottom wall plate.
(3)
Single studs are permitted to be used on either side of openings
(a)
in non- loadbearing interior walls not required to have fire-resistance ratings, provided the studs extend from the top wall plate to the bottom wall plate, or
(b)
in loadbearing or non- loadbearing interior or exterior walls, provided
(i)
the opening is less than and within the required stud spacing, and
(ii)
no 2 such openings of full stud-space width are located in adjacent stud spaces. (See Note A-9.23.10.6.(3))