Appendix BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
Section BJ106 — STRAWBALE WALLS—STRUCTURAL
2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-27 · California
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
BJ106.1 General. ¶
Plastered strawbale walls shall be permitted to be used as structural walls in accordance with the prescriptive provisions of this section.
BJ106.2 Building limitations and requirements for use of strawbale structural walls. ¶
Buildings using strawbale structural walls shall be subject to the following limitations and requirements:
- Number of stories: Not more than one, except that two stories shall be allowed with an approved engineered design.
- Building height: Not more than 25 feet (7620 mm), except that greater heights shall be allowed with an approved engineered design.
- Wall height: In accordance with Table BJ105.4, BJ106.13(2) or BJ106.13(3), as applicable, whichever is most restrictive.
- Braced wall panel lengths: The greater of the values determined in accordance with Tables BJ106.13(2) and BJ106.13(3) for buildings using strawbale braced wall panels, or in accordance with Item 4 of Section BJ105.2 for buildings with load-bearing strawbale walls that do not use strawbale braced wall panels.
BJ106.3 Loads and other limitations. ¶
Live and dead loads and other limitations shall be in accordance with Section R301. Strawbale wall dead loads shall not exceed 60 psf (2872 N/m [2] ) per face area of wall.
BJ106.4 Foundations. ¶
Foundations for plastered strawbale walls shall be in accordance with Chapter 4, Figure BJ105.1(1), Figure BJ105.1(2) or an approved engineered design.
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
BJ106.5 Orientation and configuration of bales. ¶
Bales in strawbale structural walls shall be laid flat or on-edge and in a running bond or stack bond, except that bales in structural walls with unreinforced plasters shall be laid in a running bond only.
BJ106.6 Plaster on structural walls. ¶
Plaster on load-bearing walls shall be in accordance with Table BJ106.12. Plaster on shear walls shall be in accordance with Table BJ106.13(1).
BJ106.6.1 Compressive strength. For plaster on strawbale structural walls, the building official is authorized to require a 2-inch (51mm) cube test conforming to ASTM C109 to demonstrate a minimum compressive strength in accordance with Table BJ106.6.1. For natural hydraulic lime (NHL) plasters, the compressive strength in the NHL manufacturer’s specifications is permitted to be used to satisfy the requirements in Table BJ106.6.1 where the plaster mix used for the project is identical to that in the manufacturer’s specifications.
TABLE BJ106.6.1—MINIMUM COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR PLASTERS ON STRUCTURAL WALLS
| PLASTER TYPE | MINIMUM COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (psi) |
|---|---|
| Clay | 100 |
| Soil-cement | 1,000 |
| Lime | 600 |
| Cement-lime | 1,000 |
| Cement | 1,400 |
| For SI: 1 pound per square inch = 6894.76 N/m2. |
BJ106.7 Straightness of plaster. ¶
Plaster on strawbale structural walls shall be straight, as a function of the bale wall surfaces they are applied to, in accordance with all of the following:
- As measured across the face of a bale, straw bulges shall not protrude more than [3] / 4 inch (19.1 mm) across 2 feet (610 mm) of its height or length.
- As measured across the face of a bale wall, straw bulges shall not protrude from the vertical plane of a bale wall more than 2 inches (51 mm) over 8 feet (2438 mm).
- The vertical faces of adjacent bales shall not be offset more than [3] / 8 inch (9.5 mm).
BJ106.8 Plaster and membranes on structural walls. ¶
Strawbale structural walls shall not have a membrane between straw and plaster, or shall have attachment through the bale wall from one plaster skin to the other in accordance with an approved engineered design.
BJ106.9 Mesh. ¶
Mesh in plasters on strawbale structural walls, and where required by Table BJ105.4, and where used to resist wind uplift in accordance with Section BJ106.14, shall be installed in accordance with Sections BJ106.9.1 through BJ106.9.4.
BJ106.9.1 Mesh laps. Mesh required by Table BJ105.4 or BJ106.12 shall be installed with not less than 4-inch (102 mm) laps. Mesh required by Table BJ106.13(1) or in walls designed to resist wind uplift of more than 100 plf (1459 N/m) in accordance with Section BJ106.14 shall run continuous vertically from sill plate to the top plate or roof-bearing element, or shall lap not less than 8 inches (203 mm). Horizontal laps in such mesh shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm).
BJ106.9.2 Mesh attachment. Mesh shall be attached with staples to top plates or roof-bearing elements and to sill plates in accordance with all of the following:
- Staples. Staples shall be pneumatically driven, stainless steel or electro-galvanized, 16 gage with 1 [1] / 2 -inch (38 mm) legs, 7 / 16 -inch (11.1 mm) crown; or manually driven, galvanized, 15 gage with 1-inch (25 mm) legs. Other staples shall be as designed by a registered design professional. Staples into preservative-treated wood shall be stainless steel.
- Staple orientation. Staples shall be firmly driven diagonally across mesh intersections at the required spacing.
- Staple spacing. Staples shall be spaced not more than 4 inches (102 mm) on center, except where a lesser spacing is required by Table BJ106.13(1) or Section BJ106.14, as applicable.
BJ106.9.3 Steel mesh. Steel mesh shall be galvanized and shall be separated from preservative-treated wood by Grade D paper, No. 15 roofing felt or other approved barrier.
BJ106.9.4 Mesh in plaster. Required mesh shall be embedded in the plaster except where staples fasten the mesh to horizontal boundary elements.
BJ106.10 Support of plaster skins. ¶
Plaster skins on strawbale structural walls shall be continuously supported along their bottom edge. Acceptable supports include: a concrete or masonry stem wall, a concrete slab-on-grade, a wood-framed floor in accordance with Figure BJ105.1(2) and an approved engineered design or a steel angle anchored with an approved engineered design. A weep screed as described in Section R703.7.2.1 is not an acceptable support.
BJ106.11 Transfer of loads to and from plaster skins. ¶
Where plastered strawbale walls are used to support superimposed vertical loads, such loads shall be transferred to the plaster skins by continuous direct bearing in accordance with Figure BJ105.1(3) or by an approved engineered design. Where plastered strawbale walls are used to resist in-plane lateral loads, such loads shall be transferred to the reinforcing mesh from the structural member or assembly above in accordance with Figure BJ105.1(3) or BJ105.1(4) and to the sill plate in accordance with Figure BJ105.1(1) or BJ105.1(2) and with Table BJ106.13(1).
APPENDIX BJ-12 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
BJ106.12 Load-bearing walls. ¶
Bearing capacities for plastered strawbale walls used as load-bearing walls in one-story buildings to support vertical loads imposed in accordance with Section R301 shall be in accordance with Table BJ106.12.
TABLE BJ106.12—ALLOWABLE SUPERIMPOSED VERTICAL LOADS (LBS/FOOT) FOR PLASTERED LOAD-BEARING STRAWBALE WALLS
| WALL DESIGNATION |
** PLASTERa (both sides)** | ** PLASTERa (both sides)** | MESHb | STAPLESc | ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITYd (plf) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WALL DESIGNATION |
Type | Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
| A | Clay | 11/2 | None required | None required | 400 |
| B | Soil-cement | 1 | Required | Required | 800 |
| C | Limee | 7/8 | Required | Required | 500 |
| D | Cement-Lime | 7/8 | Required | Required | 800 |
| E | Cement | 7/8 | Required | Required | 800 |
| For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per foot = 14.5939 N/m. a. Plasters shall conform to Sections BJ104.4.3 through BJ104.4.9, BJ106.7 and BJ106.10. b. Any metal mesh allowed by this appendix and installed in accordance with Section BJ106.9. c. In accordance with Section BJ106.9.2, except as required to transfer roof loads to the plaster skins in accordance with Section BJ106.11. d. For walls with a different plaster on each side, the lower value shall be used. For walls with plaster on only one side, half of the tabular value shall be used. e. Shall use hydraulic or natural hydraulic lime. |
BJ106.12.1 Precompression of load-bearing strawbale walls. Prior to application of plaster, walls designed to be load-bearing shall be precompressed by a uniform load of not less than 100 plf (1459 N/m).
BJ106.12.2 Concentrated loads. Concentrated loads shall be distributed by structural elements capable of distributing the loads to the bearing wall within the allowable bearing capacity listed in Table BJ106.12 for the plaster type used.
BJ106.12.3 Roof-bearing assembly. Roof-bearing assemblies shall be of nominal 2-inch by 6-inch (51 mm by 152 mm) lumber with [15] / 32 -inch (12 mm) plywood or OSB panels fastened with 8d nails at 6 inches (152 mm) on center in accordance with Figure BJ105.1(3) and Items 1 through 6, or be of an approved engineered design.
- Assembly shall be a box assembly on the top course of bales, with the panels horizontal.
- Assembly shall be the width of the strawbale wall and shall comply with Section BJ106.11.
- Discontinuous lumber shall be spliced with a metal strap with not less than a 500-pound (2224 N) allowable wind or seismic load tension capacity. Where the wall line includes a braced wall panel the strap shall have not less than a 2,000pound (8896 N) capacity.
- Panel joints shall be blocked.
- Roof and ceiling framing shall be attached to the roof-bearing assembly in accordance with Table R602.3(1), Items 2 and 6.
- Where the roof-bearing assembly spans wall openings, it shall comply with Section BJ106.12.3.1.
BJ106.12.3.1 Roof-bearing assembly spanning openings. Roof-bearing assemblies that span openings in strawbale walls shall comply with the following at each opening:
- Lumber on each side of the assembly shall be of the dimensions and quantity required to span each opening in accordance with Table R602.7(1).
- The required lumber in the assembly shall be supported at each side of the opening by the number of jack studs required by Table R602.7(1), or shall extend beyond the opening on both sides a distance, D, using the following equation:
Equation BJ-1 D = S × R /2/ (1- R )
where:
D = Minimum distance (in feet) for required spanning lumber to extend beyond the opening
S = Span in feet
R = B L / B C B L = Design load on the wall (in pounds per lineal foot) in accordance with Sections R301.4 and R301.6
B C = Allowable bearing capacity of the wall in accordance with Table BJ106.12
BJ106.13 Braced wall panels. ¶
Plastered strawbale walls used as braced wall panels for one-story buildings shall be in accordance with Section R602.10 and Tables BJ106.13(1), BJ106.13(2) and BJ106.13(3). Wind design criteria shall be in accordance with Section R301.2.1. Seismic design criteria shall be in accordance with Section R301.2.2. An approved engineered design in accordance with Section R301.2.1 shall be required where the building is located in a special wind region or where wind design is required in accordance with Figure R301.2(2) and Section R301.2.1.1, respectively.
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
TABLE BJ106.13(1)—PLASTERED STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANEL TYPES
| WALL DESIGNATION |
PLASTERa (both sides) | PLASTERa (both sides) | SILL PLATESb (nominal size in inches) |
ANCHOR BOLTc SPACING (inches on center) |
MESHd (inches) |
STAPLE SPACINGe (inches on center) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WALL DESIGNATION |
Type | Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
Thickness (minimum in inches each side) |
| A1 | Clay | 1.5 | 2 × 4 | 32 | None | None |
| A2 | Clay | 1.5 | 2 × 4 | 32 | 2 × 2 high-density polypropylene |
2 |
| A3 | Clay | 1.5 | 2 × 4 | 32 | 2 × 2 × 14 gage | 4 |
| B | Soil-cement | 1 | 4 × 4 | 24 | 2 × 2 × 14 gage | 2 |
| C1 | Limef | 7/8 | 2 × 4 | 32 | 17-gage woven wire |
3 |
| C2 | Limef | 7/8 | 4 × 4 | 24 | 2 × 2 × 14 gage | 2 |
| D1 | Cement-lime | 7/8 | 4 × 4 | 32 | 17-gage woven wire |
2 |
| D2 | Cement-lime | 7/8 | 4 × 4 | 24 | 2 × 2 × 14 gage | 2 |
| E1 | Cement | 7/8 | 4 × 4 | 32 | 2 × 2 × 14 gage | 2 |
| E2 | Cement | 1.5 | 4 × 4 | 24 | 2 × 2 × 14 gage | 2 |
| For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm. a. Plasters shall comply with Sections BJ104.4.3 through BJ104.4.9, BJ106.7, BJ106.8 and BJ106.12. b. Sill plates shall be Douglas fir-larch or southern pine and shall be preservative treated where required by the_California Residential Code_. c. Anchor bolts shall be in accordance with Section BJ106.13.3 at the spacing shown in this table. d. Installed in accordance with Section BJ106.9. e. Staples shall be in accordance with Section BJ106.9.2 at the spacing shown in this table. f. Shall use hydraulic or natural hydraulic lime. |
TABLE BJ106.13(2)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON WIND SPEED
TABLE BJ106.13(1)—PLASTERED STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANEL TYPES
| • EXPOSURE CATEGORY Bd • 25-FOOT MEAN ROOF HEIGHT • 10-FOOT EAVE-TO-RIDGE HEIGHTd • 10-FOOT WALL HEIGHTd • 2 BRACED WALL LINESd |
• EXPOSURE CATEGORY Bd • 25-FOOT MEAN ROOF HEIGHT • 10-FOOT EAVE-TO-RIDGE HEIGHTd • 10-FOOT WALL HEIGHTd • 2 BRACED WALL LINESd |
• EXPOSURE CATEGORY Bd • 25-FOOT MEAN ROOF HEIGHT • 10-FOOT EAVE-TO-RIDGE HEIGHTd • 10-FOOT WALL HEIGHTd • 2 BRACED WALL LINESd |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate design windspeed (mph) |
Story location |
Braced wall line spacing (feet) |
Strawbale braced wall panele A2, A3 |
Strawbale braced wall panele C1, C2, D1 |
Strawbale braced wall panele B, D2, E1, E2 |
| ≤ 110 | One-story building |
10 | 6.4 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
| ≤ 110 | One-story building |
20 | 8.5 | 5.1 | 4.0 |
| ≤ 110 | One-story building |
30 | 10.2 | 6.1 | 4.8 |
| ≤ 110 | One-story building |
40 | 13.3 | 6.9 | 5.5 |
| ≤ 110 | One-story building |
50 | 16.3 | 7.7 | 6.1 |
| ≤ 110 | One-story building |
60 | 19.4 | 8.3 | 6.6 |
| ≤ 115 | One-story building |
10 | 6.4 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
| ≤ 115 | One-story building |
20 | 8.5 | 5.1 | 4.0 |
| ≤ 115 | One-story building |
30 | 11.2 | 6.4 | 5.1 |
| ≤ 115 | One-story building |
40 | 14.3 | 7.2 | 5.7 |
| ≤ 115 | One-story building |
50 | 18.4 | 8.1 | 6.5 |
| ≤ 115 | One-story building |
60 | 21.4 | 8.8 | 7.0 |
| ≤ 120 | One-story building |
10 | 7.1 | 4.3 | 3.4 |
| ≤ 120 | One-story building |
20 | 9.0 | 5.4 | 4.3 |
| ≤ 120 | One-story building |
30 | 12.2 | 6.6 | 5.3 |
| ≤ 120 | One-story building |
40 | 16.3 | 7.7 | 6.1 |
| ≤ 120 | One-story building |
50 | 19.4 | 8.3 | 6.6 |
| ≤ 120 | One-story building |
60 | 23.5 | 9.2 | 7.3 |
APPENDIX BJ-14 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
TABLE BJ106.13(2)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON WIND SPEED—continued
| • EXPOSURE CATEGORY Bd • 25-FOOT MEAN ROOF HEIGHT • 10-FOOT EAVE-TO-RIDGE HEIGHTd • 10-FOOT WALL HEIGHTd • 2 BRACED WALL LINESd |
• EXPOSURE CATEGORY Bd • 25-FOOT MEAN ROOF HEIGHT • 10-FOOT EAVE-TO-RIDGE HEIGHTd • 10-FOOT WALL HEIGHTd • 2 BRACED WALL LINESd |
• EXPOSURE CATEGORY Bd • 25-FOOT MEAN ROOF HEIGHT • 10-FOOT EAVE-TO-RIDGE HEIGHTd • 10-FOOT WALL HEIGHTd • 2 BRACED WALL LINESd |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate design windspeed (mph) |
Story location |
Braced wall line spacing (feet) |
Strawbale braced wall panele A2, A3 |
Strawbale braced wall panele C1, C2, D1 |
Strawbale braced wall panele B, D2, E1, E2 |
| ≤ 130 | One-story building |
10 | 7.1 | 4.3 | 3.4 |
| ≤ 130 | One-story building |
20 | 10.2 | 6.1 | 4.8 |
| ≤ 130 | One-story building |
30 | 14.3 | 7.2 | 5.7 |
| ≤ 130 | One-story building |
40 | 18.4 | 8.1 | 6.5 |
| ≤ 130 | One-story building |
50 | 22.4 | 9.0 | 7.1 |
| ≤ 130 | One-story building |
60 | 26.5 | 9.8 | 7.8 |
| ≤ 140 | One-story building |
10 | 7.8 | 4.7 | 3.7 |
| ≤ 140 | One-story building |
20 | 11.2 | 6.4 | 5.1 |
| ≤ 140 | One-story building |
30 | 16.3 | 7.7 | 6.1 |
| ≤ 140 | One-story building |
40 | 21.4 | 8.8 | 7.0 |
| ≤ 140 | One-story building |
50 | 26.5 | 9.8 | 7.8 |
| ≤ 140 | One-story building |
60 | 30.6 | 11.0 | 8.3 |
| TABLE BJ106.13(2)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON WIND SPEED—continued | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For SI: 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s. a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted. b. All braced wall panels shall be without openings and shall have an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1. c. Tabulated minimum total lengths are for braced wall lines using single-braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1, or using multiple braced wall panels with aspect ratios (H:L) ≤ 1:1. For braced wall lines using two or more braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) > 1:1, the minimum total length shall be multiplied by the largest aspect ratio (H:L) of braced wall panels in that line. d. Subject to applicable wind adjustment factors associated with “All methods” in Table BJ106.13(2). e. Strawbale braced panel types indicated shall comply with Sections BJ106.13.1 through BJ106.13.3 and with Table BJ106.13(1). |
TABLE BJ106.13(3)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR
STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY
TABLE BJ106.13(2)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON WIND SPEED—continued
| • SOIL CLASS Df • WALL HEIGHT = 10 FEETd • 15 PSF ROOF-CEILING DEAD LOADd • BRACED WALL LINE SPACING ≤ 25 FEETd |
• SOIL CLASS Df • WALL HEIGHT = 10 FEETd • 15 PSF ROOF-CEILING DEAD LOADd • BRACED WALL LINE SPACING ≤ 25 FEETd |
• SOIL CLASS Df • WALL HEIGHT = 10 FEETd • 15 PSF ROOF-CEILING DEAD LOADd • BRACED WALL LINE SPACING ≤ 25 FEETd |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seismic Design Category |
Story location |
Braced wall line length (feet) |
Strawbale braced wall panele A2, A3g, C1, C2, D1 |
Strawbale braced wall panele B, D2, E1, E2 |
| C | One-story building |
10 | 5.7 | 4.6 |
| C | One-story building |
20 | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| C | One-story building |
30 | 9.8 | 7.9 |
| C | One-story building |
40 | 12.9 | 9.1 |
| C | One-story building |
50 | 16.1 | 10.4 |
| D0 | One-story building |
10 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| D0 | One-story building |
20 | 8.5 | 6.8 |
| D0 | One-story building |
30 | 10.9 | 8.4 |
| D0 | One-story building |
40 | 14.5 | 9.7 |
| D0 | One-story building |
50 | 18.1 | 11.7 |
| D1 | One-story building |
10 | 6.3 | 5.1 |
| D1 | One-story building |
20 | 9.0 | 7.2 |
| D1 | One-story building |
30 | 12.1 | 8.8 |
| D1 | One-story building |
40 | 16.1 | 10.4 |
| D1 | One-story building |
50 | 20.1 | 13.0 |
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
TABLE BJ106.13(3)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR
STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY—continued
| • SOIL CLASS Df • WALL HEIGHT = 10 FEETd • 15 PSF ROOF-CEILING DEAD LOADd • BRACED WALL LINE SPACING ≤ 25 FEETd |
• SOIL CLASS Df • WALL HEIGHT = 10 FEETd • 15 PSF ROOF-CEILING DEAD LOADd • BRACED WALL LINE SPACING ≤ 25 FEETd |
• SOIL CLASS Df • WALL HEIGHT = 10 FEETd • 15 PSF ROOF-CEILING DEAD LOADd • BRACED WALL LINE SPACING ≤ 25 FEETd |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
MINIMUM TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS REQUIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LINEa, b, c, d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seismic Design Category |
Story location |
Braced wall line length (feet) |
Strawbale braced wall panele A2, A3g, C1, C2, D1 |
Strawbale braced wall panele B, D2, E1, E2 |
| D2 | One-story building |
10 | 7.1 | 5.7 |
| D2 | One-story building |
20 | 10.1 | 8.1 |
| D2 | One-story building |
30 | 15.1 | 9.9 |
| D2 | One-story building |
40 | 20.1 | 13.0 |
| D2 | One-story building |
50 | 25.1 | 16.3 |
TABLE BJ106.13(3)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR
STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY—continued
| For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa. a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted. b. Braced wall panels shall be without openings and shall have an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1. c. Tabulated minimum total lengths are for braced wall lines using single braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1, or using multiple braced wall panels with aspect ratios (H:L) ≤ 1:1. For braced wall lines using two or more braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) > 1:1, the minimum total length shall be multiplied by the largest aspect ratio (H:L) of braced wall panels in that line. d. Subject to applicable seismic adjustment factors associated with “All methods” in Table R602.10.3(4), except “Wall dead load.” e. Strawbale braced wall panel types indicated shall comply with Sections BJ106.13.1 through BJ106.13.3 and Table BJ106.13(1). f. Wall bracing lengths are based on a soil site class “D.” Interpolation of bracing lengths between_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories is allowable where a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_. g. Where using wall Type A3, the minimum total length of braced wall panels in this column shall be multiplied by 1.25. |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa. a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted. b. Braced wall panels shall be without openings and shall have an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1. c. Tabulated minimum total lengths are for braced wall lines using single braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1, or using multiple braced wall panels with aspect ratios (H:L) ≤ 1:1. For braced wall lines using two or more braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) > 1:1, the minimum total length shall be multiplied by the largest aspect ratio (H:L) of braced wall panels in that line. d. Subject to applicable seismic adjustment factors associated with “All methods” in Table R602.10.3(4), except “Wall dead load.” e. Strawbale braced wall panel types indicated shall comply with Sections BJ106.13.1 through BJ106.13.3 and Table BJ106.13(1). f. Wall bracing lengths are based on a soil site class “D.” Interpolation of bracing lengths between_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories is allowable where a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_. g. Where using wall Type A3, the minimum total length of braced wall panels in this column shall be multiplied by 1.25. |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa. a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted. b. Braced wall panels shall be without openings and shall have an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1. c. Tabulated minimum total lengths are for braced wall lines using single braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1, or using multiple braced wall panels with aspect ratios (H:L) ≤ 1:1. For braced wall lines using two or more braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) > 1:1, the minimum total length shall be multiplied by the largest aspect ratio (H:L) of braced wall panels in that line. d. Subject to applicable seismic adjustment factors associated with “All methods” in Table R602.10.3(4), except “Wall dead load.” e. Strawbale braced wall panel types indicated shall comply with Sections BJ106.13.1 through BJ106.13.3 and Table BJ106.13(1). f. Wall bracing lengths are based on a soil site class “D.” Interpolation of bracing lengths between_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories is allowable where a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_. g. Where using wall Type A3, the minimum total length of braced wall panels in this column shall be multiplied by 1.25. |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa. a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted. b. Braced wall panels shall be without openings and shall have an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1. c. Tabulated minimum total lengths are for braced wall lines using single braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1, or using multiple braced wall panels with aspect ratios (H:L) ≤ 1:1. For braced wall lines using two or more braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) > 1:1, the minimum total length shall be multiplied by the largest aspect ratio (H:L) of braced wall panels in that line. d. Subject to applicable seismic adjustment factors associated with “All methods” in Table R602.10.3(4), except “Wall dead load.” e. Strawbale braced wall panel types indicated shall comply with Sections BJ106.13.1 through BJ106.13.3 and Table BJ106.13(1). f. Wall bracing lengths are based on a soil site class “D.” Interpolation of bracing lengths between_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories is allowable where a site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_. g. Where using wall Type A3, the minimum total length of braced wall panels in this column shall be multiplied by 1.25. |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa. a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted. b. Braced wall panels shall be without openings and shall have an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1. c. Tabulated minimum total lengths are for braced wall lines using single braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) ≤ 2:1, or using multiple braced wall panels with aspect ratios (H:L) ≤ 1:1. For braced wall lines using two or more braced wall panels with an aspect ratio (H:L) > 1:1, the minimum total length shall be multiplied by the largest |
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TABLE BJ106.13(3)—BRACING REQUIREMENTS FOR
STRAWBALE BRACED WALL PANELS BASED ON SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY—continued
aspect ratio (H:L) of braced wall panels in that line.
d. Subject to applicable seismic adjustment factors associated with “All methods” in Table R602.10.3(4), except “Wall dead load.”
e. Strawbale braced wall panel types indicated shall comply with Sections BJ106.13.1 through BJ106.13.3 and Table BJ106.13(1).
f. Wall bracing lengths are based on a soil site class “D.” Interpolation of bracing lengths between_Sds_ values associated with the seismic design categories is allowable where a
site-specific_Sds_ value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the_California Building Code_.
g. Where using wall Type A3, the minimum total length of braced wall panels in this column shall be multiplied by 1.25.|
BJ106.13.1 Bale wall thickness. The thickness of strawbale braced wall panels without their plaster shall be not less than 15 inches (381 mm).
BJ106.13.2 Sill plates. Sill plates shall be in accordance with Table BJ106.13(1). BJ106.13.3 Sill plate fasteners. Sill plates shall be fastened with not less than [5] / 8 -inch-diameter (15.9 mm) steel anchor bolts with 3-inch by 3-inch by [3] / 16 -inch (76.2 mm by 76.2 mm by 4.8 mm) steel washers, with not less than 7-inch (177.8 mm) embedment in a concrete or masonry foundation, or shall be an approved equivalent, with the spacing shown in Table BJ106.13(1). Anchor bolts or other fasteners into framed floors shall be of an approved engineered design.
BJ106.14 Resistance to wind uplift forces. ¶
Plaster mesh in skins of strawbale walls that resist uplift forces from the roof assembly, as determined in accordance with Section R802.11, shall be in accordance with all of the following:
Plaster shall be any type and thickness allowed in Section BJ104.
Mesh shall be any type allowed in Table BJ106.13(1), and shall be attached to top plates or roof-bearing elements and to sill plates in accordance with Section BJ106.9.2.
Sill plates shall be not less than nominal 2-inch by 4-inch (51 mm by 102 mm) with anchoring complying with Section R403.1.6.
Mesh attached with staples at 4 inches (51 mm) on center shall be considered to be capable of resisting uplift forces of 100 plf (1459 N/m) for each plaster skin.
Mesh attached with staples at 2 inches (51 mm) on center shall be considered to be capable of resisting uplift forces of 200 plf (2918 N/m) for each plaster skin.
BJ106.15 Post-and-beam with strawbale infill. ¶
Post-and-beam with strawbale infill systems shall be in accordance with Figure BJ105.1(4) and Items 1 through 7, or be of an approved engineered design.
Beams shall be of the dimensions and number of members in accordance with Table R602.7(1), where the space between posts equals the span in the table.
Beam ends shall bear over posts not less than 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) or be supported by a framing anchor in accordance with Table R602.7(1).
Discontinuous beam ends shall be spliced with a metal strap with not less than 1,000-pound (454 kg) wind or seismic load tension capacity. Where the wall line includes a braced wall panel, the strap shall have not less than a 4,000-pound (1814 kg) capacity.
Each post shall equal NJ + 1 in accordance with Table R602.7(1), where the space between posts equals the span in the table.
Posts shall be connected to the beam by an approved means.
Roof and ceiling framing shall be attached to the beam in accordance with Table R602.3(1), Items 2 and 6.
Posts shall be supported by the sill plate of the bale wall in accordance with BJ105.3 or BJ106.13.2, with fastening in accordance with Table R602.3(1), Item 16, or shall be supported and fastened at their base by an approved means.
APPENDIX BJ-16 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — 2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5)
- Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 3 — BUILDING PLANNING
- Chapter 4 — FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 5 — FLOORS
- Chapter 6 — WALL CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 7 — WALL COVERING
- Chapter 8 — ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 9 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES
- Chapter 10 — CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES
- Chapter 44 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix AA — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix AB — PERMIT FEES
- Appendix AC — RESERVED
- Appendix BA — RESERVED
- Appendix BB — TINY HOUSES
- Appendix BC — RESERVED
- Appendix BD — RESERVED
- Appendix BE — RADON CONTROL METHODS
- Appendix BF — PATIO COVERS
- Appendix BG — SOUND TRANSMISSION
- Appendix BH — AUTOMATIC VEHICULAR GATES
- Appendix BI — LIGHT STRAW-CLAY CONSTRUCTION
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▸ Appendix BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
- Appendix BK — COB CONSTRUCTION (MONOLITHIC ADOBE)
- Appendix BL — HEMP-LIME (HEMPCRETE) CONSTRUCTION
- Appendix BM — 3D-PRINTED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
- Appendix BN — EXTENDED PLATE WALL CONSTRUCTION
- Appendix BO — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
- Appendix CA — RESERVED
- Appendix CB — RESERVED
- Appendix CC — RESERVED
- Appendix CD — RESERVED
- Appendix CE — RESERVED
- Appendix CF — RESERVED
- Appendix CG — NONSEWERED SANITATION SYSTEMS
- Appendix CH — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL
- Appendix CI — SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT
- Appendix CJ — EMERGENCY HOUSING
- Appendix CK — AREAS PROTECTED BY THE FACILITIES OF THE CENTRAL…