What is the minimum number of bolts required per plate section?

In the context of residential construction and adherence to the North Carolina Residential Code, the minimum number of bolts required per plate section is two. This requirement is put in place to ensure that structural connections are adequately secure and capable of withstanding lateral and vertical forces that buildings may experience, such as wind and seismic activity.

Using two bolts provides a balanced distribution of load across the connection, enhancing the overall structural integrity. This is particularly important for securing the sill plates to the foundation and ensuring that wall framing is stable.

Having fewer than two bolts would not provide sufficient strength for the connections, potentially leading to structural failures. Additionally, increasing the number of bolts beyond this minimum does not necessarily reduce the risk further but does increase costs and labor, so the code establishes two as the ideal minimum for ensuring safety and performance without unnecessary redundancy.