(1)
Joints in the top plates of loadbearing walls shall be staggered not less than one stud spacing.
(2)
The top plates in loadbearing walls shall be lapped or otherwise tied at corners and intersecting walls in accordance with Sentence (4).
(3)
Joints in single top plates used with loadbearing walls shall be tied in accordance with Sentence (4).
(4)
Ties referred to in Sentences (2) and (3) shall be the equivalent of not less than 75 mm by 150 mm by 0.91 mm thick galvanized steel nailed to each wall with at least three 63 mm nails.
(5)
Where the seismic spectral acceleration, Sa (0.2), is greater than 0.70 but not more than 1.8, doubled top plates in braced wall bands shall be fastened on each side of a splice with 76 mm long common steel wire nails or spiral nails in accordance with Table 9.23.11.4.
Table 9.23.11.4. Fasteners in Doubled Top Plate Splice Connections in Braced Wall Bands where 0.70 < Sa (0.2) ≤ 1.8
Forming Part of Sentence 9.23.11.4.(5)
Notes to Table 9.23.11.4.:
(1) See Note A-9.23.13.2.(1)(a)(i).
(2) All constructions include support of a roof load in addition to the number of floors indicated.