Lateral bracing is one of most common sources of confusion and misapplication in the planning and design of a building. This useful guide is designed to help designers, builders, building officials and others effectively understand and apply the wood-frame lateral bracing requirements of the 2009 International Residential Code® (IRC). Jointly developed by ICC and APA-the Engineered Wood Association, the guide covers lateral forces on a house, the history of bracing provisions, code limitations, permissible bracing options, connection details for bracing systems, pony and cripple wall requirements, and whole house considerations using illustrated design examples. It also includes more than 140 full-color tables, figures, and photographs. 160 pp.