Normally I can stagger panels so that the joints occur at the center line of the adjacent panel. My question is; Does the code (assume either 97 UBC or 200x IBC) require the horizontal panels to be staggered so that they are staggered 4-feet on center or if the condition exists, can I stagger so that 2-feet / 6-feet is the point where the panels shift. I think this is defined as load case 1 where the panel ends join on the roof framing (the same member) but that the ends of the panel are staggered in earch row of sheathing. If I don't stagger them at 2'-0" on the end of one row then there will be less than 12-inches to fill between existing and new and this is not allowed in the code (I think the minimum stagger on the panels is 2-feet. Any comments?
Thanks,
Dennis
Dennis S. Wish, PECalifornia Professional Engineer
Structural Engineering Consultant