At corners, braces must be offset at different heights but stay within which tolerance?

• A. 1/3 panel height
• B. 1/2 panel height
• C. 2/3 panel height tolerance
• D. Full panel height

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how far apart the tops of corner braces can be vertically offset while still providing effective bracing. They must stay within two-thirds of the panel height. This keeps braces staggered enough to engage the panel system and maintain a continuous bracing path, without creating too large a gap that could allow movement between braces. For a panel height of 9 feet, the maximum difference would be 6 feet. A smaller tolerance would overly constrain placement, while a full-panel-height offset could undermine bracing effectiveness.