What is the maximum allowed diameter of a bored hole in any wood stud as a percentage of the stud depth?

In the context of the North Carolina Mechanical Code, the maximum allowed diameter of a bored hole in any wood stud is specified to be a percentage of the stud's depth. This requirement is important to maintain the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the studs, ensuring that they can adequately support the weight they are designed to carry.

A maximum diameter of 40 percent of the stud depth is established to prevent excessive weakening of the wood. When holes larger than this percentage are bored into the stud, it can significantly compromise the stud’s strength and stability, making it more susceptible to failure under load.

In contrast, the lower percentages proposed in the other options (25%, 30%, and 50%) either do not provide sufficient allowance for the installation of plumbing or electrical conduits while still keeping structural integrity intact or exceed the safe cutting limit, which might lead to potential risks in the overall framework. Therefore, 40 percent is the maximum permitted percentage, balancing the need for functional access with the necessity of maintaining adequate structural strength.