Awc Sdpws2015 Viewonly 1508

By downloading this file to your computer, you are accepting and agreeing to the terms of
AWC’s end-user license agreement (EULA), which may be viewed here: End User License
Agreement. Copyright infringement is a violation of federal law subject to criminal and civil
penalties.
SDPW
S
Special Design Provisions for Wind &
Seismic 2015 EDITION
ANSI/AWC SDPWS-2015 Approval date September 8, 2014
Updates and Errata While every

precaution has been taken to ensure the
accuracy of this document, errors may have
occurred during development. Updates or
Errata are posted to the American Wood
Council website at www.awc.org. Technical
inquiries may be addressed to
info@awc.org.
The American Wood Council (AWC) is the voice of North American traditional and engineered
wood products. From a renewable resource that absorbs and sequesters carbon, the wood products
industry makes products that are essential to everyday life. AWC’s engineers, technologists, scientists,
and building code experts develop state-of-the-art engineering data, technology, and standards on
structural wood products for use by design professionals, building officials, and wood products
manufacturers to assure the safe and efficient design and use of wood structural components.
SDPW
S
Special Design Provisions for Wind &
Seismic 2015 EDITION
Dedicated to the memory of James E. Russell, who passed away on February 14,
2013. As Chairman of AWC’s Wind & Seismic Task Committee since its inception in
2005, Jim gave generously of his time, expertise, and leadership. He was a gifted
Committee Chair, advisor, and friend to all at AWC and will be missed immensely.
merican Wood
ouncil
ANSI/AWC SDPWS-2015
Approval date September 8,
2014
Copyright © 2014
iiSPECIAL DESIGN PROVISIONS FOR WIND AND SEISMIC
Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic 2015 Edition
First Web Version: November

2014 Second Web Version: June
2015
ISBN 978-1-940383-04-0
Copyright © 2014 by American Wood Council All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical, or
mechanical means (by way of example and not limitation, photocopying, or recording by or in an information storage
retrieval system) without express written permission of the American Wood Council. For information on permission
to copy material, please contact:
Copyright Permission American

Wood Council 222 Catoctin
Circle, SE, Suite 201 Leesburg,
VA 20175 info@awc.org
Printed in the United States of

America
Copyright © American Wood Council. Downloaded/printed pursuant to License Agreement. No reproduction or transfer authorized.
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
iii SPECIAL DESIGN PROVISIONS FOR WIND AND SEISMIC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter/Title Page
Chapter/Title Page
1 Designer Flowchart ...................................................................1
4 Lateral Force-Resisting Systems ...................13 1.1 Flowchart
4.1 General
2 General Design Requirements ...................................3
2.1 General 2.2 Terminology 2.3 Notation
4.2 Wood-Frame Diaphragms 4.3 Wood-Frame Shear Walls 4.4 Wood Structural Panels Designed
to Resist Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind 3 Members and Connections .............................................7
3.1 Framing
Appendix A .................................................................................................45
3.2 Sheathing
References ................................................................................................47 3.3 Connections 3.4 Uplift Force Resisting Systems
LIST OF TABLES
3.1.1.1 Wall Stud Repetitive Member Factors ............ 8
3.2.1 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf) for
Wall Sheathing Resisting Out-of-Plane Wind Loads ............................................................... 9
3.2.2 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf)
for Roof Sheathing Resisting Out-of-Plane Wind Loads ................................................... 10
4.2.4 Maximum Diaphragm Aspect Ratios
(Horizontal or Sloped Diaphragms) ............. 16
4.2A Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
Frame Diaphragms (Blocked Wood Structural Panel Diaphragms) ...................... 21
4.2B Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
Frame Diaphragms (Blocked Wood Structural Panel Diaphragms Utilizing Multiple Rows of Fasteners
(High Load Diaphragms)) ................................................ 22
4.2C Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
Frame Diaphragms (Unblocked Wood Structural Panel Diaphragms) ...................... 23
4.2D Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
Frame Diaphragms (Lumber Diaphragms) .. 24
4.3.3.2 Unblocked Shear Wall Adjustment
Factor, Cub ......................................................
26 4.3.3.5 Shear Capacity Adjustment Factor, Co ..........
28
4.3.4 Maximum Shear Wall Aspect Ratios ............. 28
AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
4.3A Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
Frame Shear Walls (Wood-based Panels) ..... 35
4.3B Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
Frame Shear Walls (Wood Structural Panels Applied over 1/2" or 5/8" Gypsum Wallboard or Gypsum
Sheathing Board) ..... 36
4.3C Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood- Frame Shear Walls (Gypsum and Portland Cement
Plaster) ............................................ 37
4.3D Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
Frame Shear Walls (Lumber Shear Walls) ... 38
4.4.1 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 7/16" (Nominal)
Minimum Wood Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding When Used for Both Shear Walls and Wind Uplift
Simultaneously over Framing with a Specific Gravity of 0.42 or Greater
........................................................... 43
4.4.1.6 Maximum Anchor Bolt Spacing (inches) for
Combined Shear and Wind Uplift ................. 43
4.4.2 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 3/8" (Nominal)
Minimum Wood Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding When Used for Wind Uplift Only over Framing
with a Specific Gravity of 0.42 or Greater ........................................................... 44
A1 Standard, Common, Box, and Sinker Nails .. 46
A2 Standard Cut Washers ................................... 46
ivSPECIAL DESIGN PROVISIONS FOR WIND AND SEISMIC
LIST OF FIGURES
4A Examples of Open Front Structures ................... 17
4F Panel Attachment ............................................... 40
4B High Load Diaphragm........................................ 20
4G Panel Splice Occurring over Horizontal
4C Typical Shear Wall Height-to-Width Ratio for
Framing Member ................................................ 41
Perforated Shear Walls ....................................... 29
4H Panel Splice Occurring across Studs .................. 41
4D Typical Individual Full-Height Wall Segments
4I Sheathing Splice Plate (Alternate Detail) ......... 42 Height-to-Width Ratio ........................................ 29
4E Typical Shear Wall Height-to-Width Ratio
for Shear Walls Designed for Force Transfer Around Openings ............................................... 29
1 SPECIAL DESIGN
PROVISIONS FOR WIND AND SEISMIC
DESIGNER
FLOWCHART
1.1 Flowchart 2
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
1
2 DESIGNER FLOWCHART
1.1 Flowchart
Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic
Select a Trial Design
ASD
Design Method LRFD Design Category = ASD
Design Category = LRFD Allowable Stress
Factored Resistance (Sections 3.0 and 4.0)
(Sections 3.0 and 4.0)
No
Design Capacity  Applicable Load Effect
Yes
Strength Criteria Satisfied
3 SPECIAL DESIGN PROVISIONS FOR WIND AND SEISMIC
GENERAL
2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
2.1 General 4
2.2 Terminology 4
2.3 Notation 6
4 GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
2.1 General
Na- tional Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood
2.1.1 Scope Con-
struction (ANSI/AWC NDS) and provisions of this
The provisions of this document cover document.
materials, design and construction of wood members, 2.1.2.2 Strength Design: Load and resistance
fasteners, and assemblies to resist wind and seismic factor design (LRFD) of wood structures shall be in
forces. accordance with the National Design Specification
(NDS) for Wood Construction (ANSI/AWC NDS) and
2.1.2 Design Methods provisions of this document.
Engineered design of wood structures to 2.1.3 Sizes

resist wind and seismic forces shall be by one of the
methods de- scribed in 2.1.2.1 and 2.1.2.2. Wood product sizes are stated in terms of
standard nominal, standard net, or special sizes. For
Exception: Wood structures shall be permit- wood structural panels produced in accordance with
ted to be constructed in accordance with pre- PS 1 or PS 2, use of the term “nominal panel thickness”
scriptive provisions permitted by the authority in this standard refers to the “Performance Category”
having jurisdiction. value for these products.
2.1.2.1 Allowable Stress Design: Allowable

stress design (ASD) shall be in accordance with the
OMPOSITE PANELS. A wood structural panel
omprised of wood veneer and reconstituted wood-
based material bonded together with a waterproof adhe-
sive.
2.2 Terminology DIAPHRAGM. A roof, floor, or other membrane
bracing system acting to transmit lateral forces to the
ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN. A method of pro- vertical resisting elements. When the term “dia-
portioning structural members and their connections phragm” is used, it includes horizontal bracing
such that stresses do not exceed specified allowable systems.
stresses when the structure is subjected to appropriate
DIAPHRAGM, BLOCKED. A diaphragm in which
load combinations (also called working stress design).
all adjacent panel edges are fastened to either common
ASD REDUCTION FACTOR. A factor to reduce framing members or common blocking.
nominal strength to an allowable stress design level.
DIAPHRAGM BOUNDARY. A location where shear
BOUNDARY ELEMENT. Diaphragm and shear wall is transferred into or out of the diaphragm sheathing.
boundary members to which sheathing transfers forces. Transfer is either to a boundary element or to another
Boundary elements include chords and collectors at force-resisting element.
diaphragm and shear wall perimeters, interior openings,
DIAPHRAGM, UNBLOCKED. A diaphragm that
discontinuities, and re-entrant corners.
has fasteners at boundaries and supporting members
CHORD. A boundary element perpendicular to the only. Blocking between supporting structural members
applied load that resists axial stresses due to the in- at panel edges is not included.
duced moment.
FIBERBOARD. A fibrous, homogeneous panel made
COLLECTOR. A diaphragm or shear wall boundary from lignocellulosic fibers (usually wood or cane) and
element parallel to the applied load that collects and having a density of less than 31 pounds per cubic foot
transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical force- but more than 10 pounds per cubic foot.
resisting elements or distributes forces within the dia-
phragm or shear wall.
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
HARDBOARD. A fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel

made from lignocellulosic fibers consolidated under
eat and pressure in a hot press to a density not less
FORCE-TRANSFER SHEAR WALL. A shear wall
han 31 pounds per cubic foot.
with openings in the wall that has been specifically de-
signed and detailed for force transfer around the open- ATERAL STIFFNESS. The inverse of the defor-
ings. mation of shear walls under an applied unit load, or the
orce required to deform a shear wall a unit distance.
loads or related internal moments and forces.
LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN
(LRFD). A method of proportioning structural mem- RESISTANCE FACTOR. A factor that accounts for
bers and their connections using load and resistance deviations of the actual strength from the nominal
factors such that no applicable limit state is reached strength and the manner and consequences of failure.
when the structure is subjected to appropriate load
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY. A classification
combinations.
assigned to a structure based on its Seismic Use Group
NOMINAL STRENGTH. Strength of a member, (see building code) and the severity of the design earth-
cross section, or connection before application of any quake ground motion at the site.
strength reduction factors.
SHEAR WALL. A wall designed to resist lateral forc-
OPEN FRONT STRUCTURE. A structure in which es parallel to the plane of a wall.
any diaphragm edge cantilevers beyond vertical ele-
SHEAR WALL, BLOCKED. A shear wall in which
ments of the lateral force-resisting system.
all adjacent panel edges are fastened to either common
ORIENTED STRAND BOARD. A mat-formed wood framing members or common blocking.
structural panel product composed of thin rectangular
SHEAR WALL, UNBLOCKED. A shear wall that
wood strands or wafers arranged in oriented layers and
has fasteners at boundaries and vertical framing mem-
bonded with waterproof adhesive.
bers only. Blocking between vertical framing members
PARTICLEBOARD. A generic term for a panel pri- at adjacent panel edges is not included.
marily composed of cellulosic materials (usually
SHEAR WALL LINE. A series of shear walls in a
wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or parti-
line at a given story level.
cles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic mate-
rial is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable SUBDIAPHRAGM. A portion of a diaphragm used to
bonding system by a process in which the interparticle transfer wall anchorage forces to diaphragm cross ties.
bond is created by the bonding system under heat and
TIE-DOWN (HOLD-DOWN). A device used to re-
pressure.
sist uplift of the chords of shear walls.
PERFORATED SHEAR WALL. A shear wall with
WALL PIER. A section of wall adjacent to an open-
openings in the wall that has not been specifically de-
ing and equal in height to the opening, which is de-
signed and detailed for force transfer around wall open-
signed to resist lateral forces in the plane of the wall
ings, and meets the requirements of 4.3.5.3.
according to the force-transfer method (4.3.5.2).
PERFORATED SHEAR WALL SEGMENT. A
WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL. A panel manufac-
section of a perforated shear wall with full height
tured from veneers; or wood strands or wafers; or a
sheathing that meets the requirements for maximum
combination of veneer and wood strands or wafers;
aspect ratio limits in 4.3.4.
bonded together with waterproof synthetic resins or
PLYWOOD. A wood structural panel comprised of
other suitable bonding systems. Examples of wood
plies of wood veneer arranged in cross-aligned layers.
structural panels are plywood, oriented strand board
The plies are bonded with an adhesive that cures on
(OSB), or composite panels.
application of heat and pressure.
REQUIRED STRENGTH. Strength of a member,

2
cross section, or connection required to resist factored 2
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
6 GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
2.3 Notation
Σ
′
′
ν
Σ
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL

ν
ν




ν
ν
ν
ν
ν
ν
φ
φ
φ
ν
7 SPECIAL DESIGN
3.1 Framing 8
3.2 Sheathing 8
MEMBERS AND 3.3 Connections 10
CONNECTIONS Table 3.1.1.1 Wall Stud Repetitive Membe

3 8
authorized.
Table 3.2.1 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf) for AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
Wall Sheathing Resisting Out-of-Plane Wind
Loads .......................................................... 9
Table 3.2.2 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf) for

Roof Sheathing Resisting Out-of-Plane Wind
Loads ........................................................ 10
Copyright © American Wood Council. Downloaded/printed pursuant to License Agreement. No reproduction or transfer
8 MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS
3.1 Framing
tiffness Design Value Increase: The reference bending
3.1.1 Wall Framing esign value, Fb, for sawn lumber wood studs resisting
In addition to gravity loads, wall framing ut-of- plane

wind loads shall be permitted to be
shall be designed to resist induced wind and seismic multiplied by the repetitive member factors in Table
forces. The framing shall be designed using the 1.1.1, in lieu of the NDS repetitive member factor,
methods referenced in 2.1.2.1 for allowable stress
design (ASD) and 2.1.2.2 for strength design (LRFD). r=1.15. The bending
stiffness, EI, for sawn lumber
uds shall be permitted to be multiplied by the
3.1.1.1 Wall Stud Bending Strength and epetitive member factors in Table 3.1.1.1 for the
purposes of calculating out-of- plane deflection under 0
wind load. The repetitive member factors in Table 1.3
3.1.1.1 apply when studs are designed for bending 5
1.2
strength and stiffness, spaced no more than 24" on
5
center, covered on the inside with a minimum of 1/2"
1.2
gypsum wallboard, attached in accordance with 0
minimum building code requirements and sheathed on 1.1
the exterior with a minimum of 3/8" (nominal) wood 5
structural panel sheathing with all panel joints
occurring over studs or blocking and attached using a 3.1.2 Floor Framing
minimum of 8d common nails spaced a maximum of
6" on center at panel edges and 12" on center at In addition to gravity loads, floor framing shall be
intermediate framing members. designed to resist induced wind and seismic forces. The
Table 3.1.1.1 Wall Stud Repetitive Member framing shall be designed using the methods referenced
Factors
in 2.1.2.1 for allowable stress design (ASD) and 2.1.2.2
for strength design (LRFD).
Stud Size System Factor
2x4 3.1.3 Roof Framing
2x6
2x8
2x1
In addition to gravity loads, roof framing shall be
0 designed to resist induced wind and seismic forces. The
2x1 framing shall be designed using the methods referenced
2 in 2.1.2.1 for allowable stress design (ASD) and 2.1.2.2
1.5 for strength design (LRFD).
0
1.3
5
1.2
5
1.2 3.2 Sheathing
0
1.1
5
.2.1 Wall Sheathing
1.5
0 Exterior wall sheathing and its fasteners shall
1.3 e capable of resisting and transferring wind loads to
5 he wall framing. Maximum spans and nominal
1.2 niform load capacities for wall sheathing materials are
5
iven in Table 3.2.1. The ASD allowable uniform load
1.2
apacities to be used for wind design shall be
0
1.1 etermined by dividing the nominal uniform load
5 apacities in Table 3.2.1 by an ASD reduction factor of
1.5 6. The LRFD
factored uniform load capacities to be used for wind ance with 4.3. Walls sheathed with wood structural
design shall be determined by multiplying the nominal panel sheathing or siding that are designed to resist up-
uniform load capacities in Table 3.2.1 by a resistance lift from wind, or combined shear and uplift from wind
shall be in accordance with 4.4.
factor, φb, of 0.85. Sheathing used in shear wall assem-
blies to resist lateral forces shall be designed in accord-
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
Table 3.2.1 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf) for Wall Sheathing Resisting Out-of-Plane
Wind Loads1
Sheathing Type4 Span Rating or Grade
Strength Axis6 Perpendicular to Supports Parallel to Supports Maximum Stud Spacing (in.)
Actual Stud Spacing (in.) Minimum
Maximum
Actual Stud Spacing Thickness
Stud
(in.) (in.)
12 16 24 Spacing
12 16 24 Nominal Uniform
(in.) Loads (psf)
Nominal Uniform Loads (psf)
Wood Structural Panels (Sheathing Grades, C-C, C-D, C-C Plugged, OSB)2,5
24/0 3/8 24 425 240 105 24 90 50 303 24/16 7/16 24 540 305 135 24 110 60 353 32/16 15/32 24 625 355 155 24 155 90 453 40/20
19/32 24 955 595 265 24 255 145 753 48/24 23/32 24 11603 8403 3953 24 4553 2553 1153 Particleboard Sheathing (M-S Exterior
Glue)
3/8 16 (contact
manufacturer)
16 (contact 1/2 16 16 manufacturer) Particleboard Panel Sid- ing (M-S Exterior Glue)
5/8 16 (contact
manufacturer)
16 (contact 3/4 24 24 manufacturer)

Hardboard Siding (Direct to Studs)
Lap Siding 7/16 16 460 260 - - - - - Shiplap Edge Panel Siding 7/16 24 460 260 115 24 460 260 115 Square Edge Panel Siding
7/16 24 460 260 115 24 460 260 115 Cellulosic Fiberboard Sheathing
Regular 1/2 16 90 50 - 16 90 50 - Structural 1/2 16 135 75 - 16 135 75 - Structural 25/32 16 165 90 - 16 165 90 -
1. Nominal capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with Section 3.2.1 to determine ASD uniform load capacity and LRFD
uniform resistances. 2. Unless otherwise noted, tabulated values are based on the lesser of nominal values for either OSB or
plywood with 3 or more plies. 3. Tabulated values are based on the lesser of nominal values for either OSB or plywood with 4 or
more plies. 4. Wood structural panels shall conform to the requirements for its type in DOC PS 1 or PS 2. Particleboard sheathing
shall conform to ANSI A208.1. Hardboard
panel and siding shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/CPA A135.6. Cellulosic fiberboard sheathing shall conform to ASTM C
208. 5. Tabulated values are for maximum bending loads from wind. Loads are limited by bending or shear stress assuming a
2-span continuous condition. Where panels are continuous over 3 or more spans the tabulated values shall be permitted to be
increased in accordance with the ASD/LRFD Manual for Engineered Wood Construction. 6 . Strength axis is defined as the axis
parallel to the face and back orientation of the flakes or the grain (veneer), which is generally the long panel direction, unless
otherwise marked.
3.2.2 Floor Sheathing
Floor sheathing shall be capable of resisting and transferring gravity loads to the floor framing. Sheath-
ing used in diaphragm assemblies to resist lateral forces shall be designed in accordance with 4.2.
3.2.3 Roof Sheathing
Roof sheathing and its fasteners shall be capable of resisting and transferring wind and gravity loads to
the roof framing. Maximum spans and nominal uniform
load capacities for roof sheathing materials are given in Table 3.2.2. The ASD allowable uniform load
capacities to be used for wind design shall be determined by dividing the nominal uniform load
capacities in Table 3.2.2 by an ASD reduction factor of 1.6. The LRFD factored uniform load capacities
to be used for wind design shall be determined by multiplying the nominal uniform load capacities in
b, of 0.85. Sheathing used in diaphragm assemblies

Table 3.2.2 by a resistance factor, φ to resist lateral
forces shall be designed in accordance with 4.2.
3
10 MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS
Table 3.2.2 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf) for Roof Sheathing Resisting Out-of-Plane
Wind
Loads1,2,6
Sheathing Type5 Span Rating
or Grade
Strength Axis7 Applied Perpendicular to Supports
Strength Axis7 Applied Parallel to Supports
Rafter/Truss Spacing (in.) Rafter/Truss Spacing (in.)
12 16 19.2 24 32 48 12 16 24
Nominal Uniform Loads (psf) Nominal Uniform Loads (psf)
Wood Structural Panels (Sheathing Grades, C-C, C-D, C-C Plugged, OSB)
Minimum Thickness (in.)
303 353 453 753 1153
Wood Structural Panels (Single Floor Grades, Underlayment, C-C Plugged)
24/0 24/16 32/16 40/20 48/24
3/8 7/16 15/32 19/32 23/32
425 540 625 955 11603
240 305 355 595 8403
165 210 245 415 6153
105 135 155 265 3953
- - 90 150 2203
3
- - - - 100

90 110 155 255 4553
50 60 90 145
2553
16 o.c.
19/32
705
503 20 o.c.
19/32
815
703 24 o.c.
23/32
11603
1103 32 o.c.
7/8
13954
2904 48 o.c.
1-1/8
17904
5104
1. Nominal capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with Section 3.2.3 to determine ASD uniform load capacity and LRFD
uniform resistances. 2. Unless otherwise noted, tabulated values are based on the lesser of nominal values for either OSB or
plywood with 3 or more plies. 3. Tabulated values are based on the lesser of nominal values for either OSB or plywood with 4 or
more plies. 4. Tabulated values are based on the lesser of nominal values for either OSB or plywood with 5 or more plies. 5. Wood
structural panels shall conform to the requirements for its type in DOC PS 1 or PS 2. 6. Tabulated values are for maximum bending
loads from wind. Loads are limited by bending or shear stress assuming a 2-span continuous condition. Where panels are
continuous over 3 or more spans, the tabulated values shall be permitted to be increased in accordance with the ASD/LRFD
Manual for Engineered Wood Construction. 7 . Strength axis is defined as the axis parallel to the face and back orientation of the
flakes or the grain (veneer), which is generally the long panel direction, unless
otherwise marked.
3.3 Connections
Connections resisting induced wind and seismic forces shall be designed in accordance with the meth-
ods referenced in 2.1.2.1 for allowable stress design (ASD) and 2.1.2.2 for strength design (LRFD).
395 455 6703 10004 12954
275 320 4653 6954 10604
175 205 3003 4454 8054
100 115 1703 2504 4554
4
- - - 110
2004
170 235 4403 11604 17904
95 135 2503 6554 11454
.4.2 Design Requirements
Uplift force resisting systems shall comply

3.4 Uplift Force Resisting Systems with the following:
3.4.1. General 1. Metal connectors, continuous tie rods, or oth-

er similar connection devices used in the wind
uplift load path shall be of adequate strength and
The proportioning, design, and detailing of
stiffness to transfer induced forces to supporting
engineered wood systems, members, and connections
elements. 2. The design strength and stiffness of
resisting wind uplift shall be in accordance with the
wood members and connections used in combina-
reference documents in 2.1.2 and the provisions of
tion with metal connectors, continuous tie rods, or
3.4.2. A continuous load path, or paths, with adequate
other similar connection devices shall be
strength and stiffness shall be provided to transfer all
determined in accordance with 3.3. 3. Where
forces from the point of application to the final point of
wind uplift load path connections are not aligned
resistance.
from point of load application to point of authorized.
AMERICAN WOOD
resistance, additional forces and deflections COUNCIL
resulting from such eccentricities shall be
accounted for in the design of supporting load 3
path elements.
Exception: Walls sheathed with wood structural panel

sheathing or siding that are designed to resist uplift
from wind, or combined shear and uplift from wind
shall be in accordance with 4.4.
Copyright © American Wood Council. Downloaded/printed pursuant to License Agreement. No reproduction or transfer
MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS 12
This page left blank intentionally.
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
13 SPECIAL DESIGN
RESISTING
SYSTEMS
4.1 General 14
LATERAL 4.2 Wood-Frame Diaphragms 15
FORCE- 4.3 Wood-Frame Shear Walls 25
Structural Panel Sheathing or
4.4 Wood Structural Panels Designed Shear and Uplift
..................................................
to Resist Combined Shear and Uplift
from Wind 39 Table 4.4.1.6 Maximum Shear Wall Aspect Ra
Table 4.4.2 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 3/8" W

Table 4.2.4 Maximum Diaphragm Aspect Ratios ...................16
Panel Sheathing or Siding–Up
Tables 4.2A-D Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood- ................44
Frame Diaphragms .......................................21 – 24
Table 4.3.3.2 Unblocked Shear Wall Adjustment Factor, Cub ..26
Table 4.3.3.5 Shear Capacity Adjustment Factor, Co ................28
Table 4.3.4 Maximum Shear Wall Aspect Ratios ....................28

Copyright © American Wood Council. Downloaded/printed pursuant to License Ag
authorized.
Tables 4.3A-D Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-
AMERICAN WOOD
Frame Shear Walls .........................................35 – COUNCIL
38
4
Table 4.4.1 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 7/16" Wood
14 LATERAL FORCE-RESISTING SYSTEMS
4.1 General
3B, 4.3C, and 4.3D, respectively. Alternatively, shear
4.1.1 Design Requirements a- pacity of diaphragms and shear walls shall be
ermitted to be calculated by principles of mechanics
The proportioning, design, and detailing of sing values of fastener strength and sheathing shear
engineered wood systems, members, and connections apacity.
in lateral force-resisting systems shall be in accordance
with the reference documents in 2.1.2 and provisions in .1.3 Deformation Requirements
this chapter. A continuous load path, or paths, with ad-
equate strength and stiffness shall be provided to trans- Deformation of connections within and
fer all forces from the point of application to the final etween structural elements shall be considered in
point of resistance. esign such that the deformation of each element and
onnection comprising the lateral force-resisting
4.1.2 Shear Capacity ystem is compat- ible with the deformations of the
ther lateral force- resisting elements and connections
Nominal shear capacities of diaphragms and nd with the overall system.
shear walls are provided for reference assemblies in
Tables 4.2A, 4.2B, 4.2C, and 4.2D and Tables 4.3A, .1.4 Boundary Elements
shall be permitted to be used to provide resistance
Shear wall and diaphragm boundary to seismic forces contributed by masonry or
elements shall be provided to transfer the design concrete walls in two-story structures, provided the
tension and compression forces. Diaphragm and shear following requirements are met: a. Story-to-story
wall sheathing shall not be used to splice boundary wall heights shall not exceed
elements. Diaphragm chords and collectors shall be 12'. b. Diaphragms shall not be considered to
placed in, or in contact with, the plane of the transmit lateral forces by torsional force
diaphragm framing unless it can be demonstrated that distribution or cantilever past the outermost
the moments, shears, and deflections, considering supporting shear wall. c. Combined deflections
eccentricities resulting from other configurations, can of diaphragms and shear walls shall not permit
be tolerated without exceeding the framing capacity design story drift of supported masonry or
and drift limits. concrete walls to exceed the allowable story
4.1.5 Wood Members and Systems drift in accordance with Section 12.12.1 of
Resisting Seismic Forces Contributed by ASCE 7. d. Wood structural panel diaphragms
Masonry and Concrete Walls shall be
blocked diaphragms. e. Wood structural panel
Wood-frame shear walls, wood-frame shear walls shall be blocked shear walls and,
diaphragms, trusses, and other wood members and for the lower story, the sheathing shall have a
systems shall not be used to resist seismic forces minimum nominal panel thickness of 15/32". f.
contributed by masonry or concrete walls in structures There shall be no out-of-plane horizontal
over one story in height. offsets between the first and second stories of
wood structural panel shear walls.
Exceptions: 1. Wood floor and roof members shall
be permitted to be used in diaphragms and 4.1.5.1 Anchorage of Concrete or Masonry Struc-
horizontal trusses to resist horizontal seismic forces tural Walls to Diaphragms: In Seismic Design Catego-
contributed by masonry or concrete walls ries C, D, E, or F, diaphragms shall be provided with
provided such forces do not result in torsional force continuous ties or struts between diaphragm chords to
distribution through the diaphragm or truss. 2. distribute concrete or masonry structural wall anchor-
Vertical wood structural panel sheathed shear walls age forces in accordance with Section 12.11.2 of ASCE
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
7 into the diaphragms. Subdiaphragms shall be permitted to be used to transmit the anchorage forces to
the main continuous cross-ties. The maximum length-to- width ratio of the structural subdiaphragm shall
be 2.5:1. Connections and anchorages capable of resisting the prescribed forces shall be provided
between the diaphragm and the attached components.
4.1.5.1.1 Anchorage shall not be accomplished by use of nails subject to withdrawal or toe-nails nor shall
wood ledgers or framing be used in cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension.
4.1.5.1.2 The diaphragm sheathing shall not be considered effective as providing the ties or struts re-
quired by this section.
4.1.6 Wood Members and Systems Resisting Seismic Forces from Other Concrete or
Masonry Construction
Wood members and systems shall be permitted to be used where designed to resist seismic forces from
concrete, or masonry components other than walls, including but not limited to: chimneys, fireplaces,
concrete or masonry veneers, and concrete floors.
4.1.7 Toe-Nailed Connections
In seismic design categories D, E, and F, the capacity of toe-nailed connections shall not be used when
calculating lateral load resistance to transfer seismic lateral forces greater than 150 pounds per lineal foot
for ASD and 205 pounds per lineal foot for LRFD from diaphragms to shear walls, collectors, or other
elements, or from shear walls to other elements.
4.2 Wood-Frame Diaphragms
4.2.1 Application Requirements
Wood-frame diaphragms shall be permitted to be used to resist lateral forces provided the deflection in
the plane of the diaphragm, as determined by calculations, tests, or analogies drawn therefrom, does not
exceed the maximum permissible deflection limit of attached load distributing or resisting elements.
Permis- sible deflection shall be that deflection that will permit the diaphragm and any attached elements
to maintain their structural integrity and continue to support their prescribed loads as determined by the
applicable building code or standard. Framing members, blocking, and connections shall extend into the
diaphragm a sufficient distance to develop the force transferred into the diaphragm.
4.2.2 Deflection
Calculations of diaphragm deflection shall account for bending and shear deflections, fastener
deformation, chord splice slip, and other contributing sources of deflection.
The diaphragm deflection,
dia, shall be permitted to be calculated by use of the following equation:
dia =
maximum mid-span diaphragm deflection
determined by elastic analysis, in.
(4.2-1)
where:
E = modulus of elasticity of diaphragm chords,
psi
A = area of chord cross-section, in.2
Ga = apparent diaphragm shear stiffness from nail
slip and panel shear deformation, kips/in. (from Column A, Tables 4.2A, 4.2B, 4.2C, or 4.2D)
L = diaphragm length, ft
x 5 L 3 0.25 L
c dia
8EAW 1000G a
2W
= induced unit shear in diaphragm, lbs/ft
W = diaphragm width, ft
x = distance from chord splice to nearest sup-
port, ft
c =
diaphragm chord splice slip, in., at the in-
duced unit shear in diaphragm
4
Alternatively, for wood structural panel diaphragms, deflection shall be permitted to be calculated using
a rational analysis where apparent shear stiffness accounts for panel shear deformation and non-linear
nail slip in the sheathing-to-framing connection.
4.2.3 Unit Shear Capacities
Tabulated nominal unit shear capacities for seismic design are provided in Column A of Tables 4.2A,
4.2B, 4.2C, and 4.2D; and for wind design in Column B of Tables 4.2A, 4.2B, 4.2C, and 4.2D. The ASD
allowable unit shear capacity shall be determined by dividing the tabulated nominal unit shear capacity,
modified by applicable footnotes, by the ASD reduction factor of 2.0. The LRFD factored unit
resistance shall be determined by multiplying the tabulated nominal unit shear capacity, modified by
applicable footnotes, by a resistance factor,
ments of the story below. It shall be permitted to ideal- ize a diaphragm as rigid when the computed
maximum in-plane deflection of the diaphragm itself under lateral load is less than or equal to two times
the average deflection of adjoining vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system of the
associated story under equivalent tributary lateral load.
When a diaphragm is not idealized as rigid or flexible, the diaphragm shear forces shall be distributed to
the vertical resisting elements using a semi-rigid diaphragm analysis based on the relative stiffnesses of
the diaphragm and the vertical resisting elements account- ing for both shear and flexural deformations.
In lieu of using a semi-rigid diaphragm analysis for distribution of story shear forces, it shall be permitted
to use an en- veloped analysis whereby distribution of horizontal diaphragm shear to each vertical
resisting element is the larger of the shear forces resulting from analyses where D , of 0.80. No further
increases shall be permitted.
the diaphragm is idealized as flexible and the diaphragm is idealized as rigid. 4.2.4 Diaphragm
Aspect Ratios
4.2.5.1 Torsional Irregularity: Structures with wood-frame diaphragms modeled as semi-rigid or ide- Size
and shape of diaphragms shall be limited to the aspect ratios in Table 4.2.4.
alized as rigid shall be considered as torsionally irregular under seismic load when the maximum story
drift, computed from seismic design forces including acci-
Table 4.2.4 Maximum Diaphragm Aspect
Ratios (Horizontal or Sloped Diaphragms)
dental torsion, at one end of the structure is more than 1.2 times the average of the story drifts at the two
ends of the structure. Where a torsional irregularity exists in structures assigned to Seismic Design
Category B, C, D, E, or F, diaphragms shall meet all of the following
Diaphragm Sheathing Type
requirements:
1. The diaphragm conforms to 4.2.7.1, 4.2.7.2, or
4.2.7.3. 2. The L/W ratio is not greater than 1.5:1 when sheathed in conformance with 4.2.7.1 or not
greater than 1:1 when sheathed in conformance with 4.2.7.2 or 4.2.7.3. 3. The maximum story drift at
each edge of the structure shall not exceed the ASCE 7 allowable story drift when subject to seismic
design forces including torsion, and accidental torsion.
4.2.5.2 Open Front Structures: For resistance to seismic loads, wood-frame diaphragms in open front
structures shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. The diaphragm conforms to 4.2.7.1, 4.2.7.2, or
4.2.7.3. 2. The L′/W′ ratio (as shown in Figure 4A (a through d)) is not greater than 1.5:1 when
Maximum L/W Ratio Wood structural panel, unblocked 3:1 Wood structural panel, blocked 4:1
Single-layer straight lumber sheathing 2:1 Single-layer diagonal lumber sheathing 3:1 Double-layer
diagonal lumber sheathing 4:1
4.2.5 Horizontal Distribution of Shear
The distribution of shear to vertical resisting elements shall be based on an analysis where the dia-
phragm is modeled as semi-rigid, idealized as flexible, or idealized as rigid. When a diaphragm is
idealized as flexible, the diaphragm shear forces shall be distributed to the vertical resisting elements
based on tributary area. When a diaphragm is idealized as rigid, the diaphragm shear forces shall be
distributed based on the relative lateral stiffnesses of the vertical-resisting ele-
omply with Section 4.2.5.2.
4.2.5.2.1 For open front structures one story

sheathed in conformance with 4.2.7.1 or not greater n height, where L′ is not more than 25′ and L′/W′ is
than 1:1 when sheathed in conformance with ess than or equal to 1:1, the cantilevered diaphragm
4.2.7.2 or 4.2.7.3. For open front structures that efined by L′ x W′ (as shown in Figure 4A) shall be
are also torsionally irregular as defined in 4.2.5.1, ermitted to be idealized as rigid for purposes of
the L′/W′ ratio shall not exceed 0.67:1 for istribution of shear forces through torsion.
structures over one story in height, and 1:1 for
structures one story in height. 3. For loading .2.6 Construction Requirements
parallel to the open side, diaphragms shall be
modeled as semi-rigid or idealized as rigid, and 4.2.6.1 Framing Requirements: Diaphragm boundary
the maximum story drift at each edge of the elements shall be provided to transmit the design
structure shall not exceed the ASCE 7 allowable tension, compression, and shear forces. Diaphragm
story drift when subject to seismic design forces sheathing shall not be used to splice boundary ele-
including torsion and accidental torsion and shall ments. Diaphragm chords and collectors shall be placed
include shear and bending deformations of the n, or in contact with, the plane of the diaphragm fram-
diaphragm. 4. The cantilevered diaphragm length, ing unless it can be demonstrated that the moments,
L′, (normal shears, and deflections, considering eccentricities re-
to the open side) shall not exceed 35 sulting from other configurations, can be tolerated
feet. without exceeding the framing capacity and drift limits.
4.2.6.2 Sheathing: Diaphragms shall be sheathed with
Exception: Wood frame diaphragms in open front approved materials. Details on sheathing types and
structures in which the diaphragm edge cantilevers no thicknesses for commonly used floor, roof, and ceiling
more than six feet beyond the nearest line of vertical diaphragm assemblies are provided in 4.2.7 and Tables
elements of the lateral force-resisting system need not 4.2A, 4.2B, 4.2C, and 4.2D.
Figure 4A Examples of Open Front
Structures (a)
(b (d
) )
4
4
(c
)
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
o framing members using nails or other approved
asteners alone, or in combination with adhesives.
Nails shall be driven with the head of the nail flush
4.2.6.3 Fasteners: Sheathing shall be attached with the surface of the sheathing. Other approved
asteners shall be driven as required for proper
fastened to framing members or blocking. 2. Nails
installation of that fastener. 4.2.7 Diaphragm
shall be located at least 3/8" from the edges of
panels. Maximum nail spacing at pan-
Assemblies el edges shall be 6" on center. Nails along in-
termediate framing members and blocking for
4.2.7.1 Wood Structural Panel Diaphragms: panels shall be the same size as installed at the
Dia- phragms sheathed with wood structural panel panel edges. Maximum nail spacing shall be 6" on
sheathing shall be permitted to be used to resist seismic center when support spacing of 48" on center is
and wind forces. Wood structural panel sheathing used specified and 12" on center for closer support
for diaphragms that are part of the lateral spacings. 3. The width of the nailed face of framing
force-resisting system shall be applied directly to the members and blocking shall be 2" nominal or
framing members and blocking. greater at adjoining panel edges except that a 3"
Exception: Wood structural panel sheathing in a nominal or greater width at adjoining panel edges
diaphragm is permitted to be fastened over solid and staggered nailing at all panel edges are
lumber planking or laminated decking provided the required where: a. Nail spacing of 2-1/2" on center
following requirements are met: 1. Panel edges do or less at
not coincide with joints in the adjoining panel edges is specified, or b. 10d
lumber planking or laminated decking. 2. common nails having penetration in- to framing
Adjacent panel edges parallel to the planks or members and blocking of more than 1-1/2" are
decking are fastened to a common member. 3. The specified at 3" on center or less at adjoining
planking or decking shall be of sufficient thickness panel edges. 4. Wood structural panels shall
to satisfy minimum fastener penetration in conform to the requirements for their type in
framing members and blocking as required in DOC PS1 or PS2.
Table 4.2A. 4. Diaphragm aspect ratio (L/W) does
4.2.7.1.2 High Load Blocked Diaphragms: All
not exceed that for a blocked wood structural panel
joints in sheathing shall occur over and be fastened to
diaphragm (4:1). 5. Diaphragm forces are
common framing members or common blocking. The
transferred from wood structural panel sheathing to
size and spacing of fasteners at wood-frame diaphragm
diaphragm boundary elements through planking
boundaries and panel edges shall be as prescribed in
or decking or by other methods.
Table 4.2B and Figure 4B. The diaphragms shall be
constructed as follows:
4.2.7.1.1 Blocked Diaphragms: Where
diaphragms are designated as blocked, all joints in 1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8' except at
sheathing shall occur over and be fastened to common boundaries and changes in framing where min-
framing members or common blocking. The size and imum panel dimension shall be 24" unless all edges
spacing of fasteners at wood-frame diaphragm of the undersized panels are supported by and
boundaries and panel edges shall be as prescribed in fastened to framing members or blocking. 2. Nails
Table 4.2A. The diaphragm shall be constructed as shall be located at least 3/8" from panel edges but
follows: not less than distances shown in Fig- ure 4B.
1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8' except at Maximum nail spacing at panel edges shall be 6"
on center. Nails along intermediate framing
boundaries and changes in framing where min-
members for panels shall be the same size as
imum panel dimension shall be 24" unless all edges
installed at the panel edges. Maximum nail spacing
of the undersized panels are supported by and
shall be 6" on center when support spacing of
greater than 32" on center is specified. Maximum line shall be staggered where spacing is 3" on
nail spacing shall be 12" on center for specified center or less. 4. The depth of framing members
support spacing of 32" on center or less. 3. In and blocking into which the nail penetrates shall be
diaphragm boundary members, lines of fasteners 3" nominal or greater.
shall be equally spaced and fasteners within each
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
with Table 4.2D. Single diagonally sheathed lumber
iaphragms shall be permitted to con- sist of 2"
ominal lumber (1-1⁄2" thick) where the sup-
5. The width of the nailed face of framing mem- ports are not less than 3" nominal (2-1⁄2" thick) in
bers and blocking at boundaries and adjoining width or 4" nominal (3-1⁄2" deep) in depth.
panel edges shall be 3" nominal or greater. The 4.2.7.3 Diaphragms Diagonally Sheathed with
width of the nailed face not located at boundaries Double-Layer of Lumber: Double diagonally sheathed
or adjoining panel edges shall be 2" nominal or lumber diaphragms shall be permitted to be used to re-
greater. 6. Wood structural panels shall conform to sist seismic and wind forces. Double diagonally
the re- sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be constructed of
quirements for their type in DOC PS1 or two layers of diagonal sheathing boards laid perpendic-
PS2. ular to each other on the same face of the supporting
members. Each chord shall be considered as a beam
4.2.7.1.3 Unblocked Diaphragms: Where dia- with uniform load per foot equal to 50% of the unit
phragms are designated as unblocked, the diaphragms shear due to diaphragm action. The load shall be as-
shall be constructed as specified in 4.2.7.1.1, except sumed as acting normal to the chord in the plane of the
that blocking between supporting structural members at diaphragm in either direction. Nailing of diagonally
panel edges shall not be required. The size and spacing sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be in accordance
of fasteners at wood-frame diaphragm boundaries and with Table 4.2D.
panel edges shall be as prescribed in Table 4.2C. 4.2.7.4 Diaphragms Horizontally Sheathed with
4.2.7.2 Diaphragms Diagonally Sheathed Single-Layer of Lumber: Horizontally sheathed lumber
with Sin- gle-Layer of Lumber: Single diagonally diaphragms shall be permitted to be used to resist seis-
sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be permitted to be mic and wind forces. Horizontally sheathed lumber di-
used to resist seismic and wind forces. Single aphragms shall be constructed of minimum 1" thick
diagonally sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be nominal sheathing boards or minimum 2" thick
constructed of minimum 1" thick nominal sheathing nominal lumber laid perpendicular to the supports. End
boards or 2" thick nominal lumber laid at an angle of joints in adjacent boards shall be separated by at least
approximately 45 to the supports. End joints in one joist space and there shall be at least two boards
adjacent boards shall be separated by at least one joist between joints on the same support. Nailing of
space and there shall be at least two boards between horizontally sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be in
joints on the same support. Nail- ing of diagonally accordance with Table 4.2D.
sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be in accordance 4
4
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
Figure 4B High Load Diaphragm
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
COUNCIL
4
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
COUNCIL
4
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
4.3 Wood-Frame Shear Walls
4.3.1 Application Requirements
Wood-frame shear walls shall be permitted to resist lateral forces provided the deflection of the shear
wall, as determined by calculations, tests, or analogies drawn therefrom, does not exceed the maximum
permissible deflection limit. Permissible deflection shall be that deflection that permits the shear wall
and any attached elements to maintain their structural integrity and continue to support their prescribed
loads as determined by the applicable building code or standard. Framing members, blocking, and
connections shall extend into the shear wall a sufficient distance to develop the force transferred into the
shear wall.
4.3.2 Deflection
Calculations of shear wall deflection shall account for bending and shear deflections, fastener
deformation, anchorage slip, and other contributing sources of deflection.
The shear wall deflection, δsw, shall be permitted to

be calculated by use of the following equation:
3
a sw
a
Alternatively, for wood structural panel shear walls, deflection shall be permitted to be calculated using a
rational analysis where apparent shear stiffness accounts for panel shear deformation and non-linear nail
slip in the sheathing to framing connection.
4.3.2.1 Deflection of Perforated Shear Walls: The deflection of a perforated shear wall shall be calculat-
ed in accordance with 4.3.2, where ν in equation 4.3-1 is equal to νmax obtained in equation 4.3-9 and b is
as ΣLi.
taken
4.3.2.2 Deflection of Unblocked Wood Structural Panel Shear Walls: The deflection of an unblocked
wood structural panel shear wall shall be permitted to be calculated in accordance with 4.3.2 using a Ga
for 24"
stud spacing and nails spaced at 6" on center at panel edges and 12" on center at intermediate
framing members. The induced unit shear, ν, in pounds per foot used in Equation 4.3-1 shall be divided
, from
by Cub Table 4.3.3.2.
4.3.2.3 Deflection of Structural Fiberboard Shear Walls: For a structural fiberboard shear wall with an
aspect ratio (h/bs) greater than 1.0, the deflection obtained
from equation 4.3-1 shall be multiplied by
ν ν
δ = 8 EAb h + 1000G h
∆
+ h b(h/bs)1/2.
(4.3-1)
4.3.3 Unit Shear Capacities
where:
The ASD allowable unit shear capacity shall be b = shear wall length, ft
determined by dividing the tabulated nominal unit
∆a = total vertical elongation of wall anchorage
system (including fastener slip, device elon-
shear capacity, modified by applicable footnotes, by the ASD reduction factor of 2.0. The LRFD factored
unit resistance shall be determined by multiplying the gation, rod elongation, etc.) at the induced
tabulated nominal unit shear capacity, modified by unit shear in the shear wall, in.
applicable footnotes, by a resistance factor, φD, of E

= modulus of elasticity of end posts, psi
0.80. No further increases shall be permitted.
4.3.3.1 Tabulated Nominal Unit Shear Capacities: A = area of end post cross-section, in.2
Tabulated nominal unit shear capacities for seismic
Ga = apparent shear wall shear stiffness from nail
slip and panel shear deformation, kips/in. (from Column A, Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, or 4.3D)
design are provided in Column A of Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, and 4.3D; and for wind design in Column
B of Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, and 4.3D.
4.3.3.2 Unblocked Wood Structural Panel Shear Walls: Wood structural panel shear walls shall be h =
shear wall height, ft
ν = induced unit shear, lbs/ft
permitted to be unblocked provided nails are installed into framing in accordance with Table 4.3.3.2 and
the strength is calculated in accordance with Equation 4.3- δsw = maximum shear wall deflection
determined
2. Unblocked shear wall height shall not exceed 16
by elastic analysis, in.
4
feet. Design coefficients and factors for blocked shear walls as specified in 4.3.3 shall be used.
The nominal unit shear capacity of an unblocked wood structural panel shear wall, νub, shall be calculat-
ed using the following equation:
νb C
νub = ub (4.3-2)
where: Cub = Unblocked shear wall adjustment factor rom

Table 4.3.3.2
νb = Nominal unit shear capacity (lbs/ft) from
Table 4.3A for wood structural panel blocked shear walls with 24" stud spacing and nails spaced at 6" on
center at panel edges.
νub = Nominal unit shear capacity (lbs/ft) for
unblocked shear wall.
Table 4.3.3.2 Unblocked Shear Wall
Adjustment Factor, Cub
Nail Spacing (in.) Stud Spacing (in.) Supported

Edges
where:
Gac = combined apparent shear wall shear stiff-
ness of two-sided shear wall, kips/in.
Ga1 = apparent shear wall shear stiffness for side
1, kips/in. (from Column A, Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, or 4.3D)
Ga2 = apparent shear wall shear stiffness for side
2, kips/in. (from Column A, Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, or 4.3D)
Kmin = minimum ratio of ν s1/Ga1 or ν s2/Ga2
νs1 = nominal unit shear capacity for side 1, lbs/ft
(from Column A, Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, or 4.3D)
νs2 = nominal unit shear capacity for side 2, lbs/ft
(from Column A, Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, or 4.3D)
νsc = Combined nominal unit shear capacity of
two-sided shear wall for seismic design, lbs/ft
4.3.3.3.2 Nominal unit shear capacities for shear walls sheathed with dissimilar materials on the same
Intermediate Framing 12 16 20 24
side of the wall are not cumulative. For shear walls sheathed with dissimilar materials on opposite sides,
the combined nominal unit shear capacity, νsc or νwc, 6 6 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.5
shall be either two times the smaller nominal unit shear capacity or the larger nominal unit shear capaci- 6
12 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4
ty, whichever is greater.
4.3.3.3 Summing Shear Capacities: For shear walls sheathed with the same construction and materials
on opposite sides of the same wall, the combined nominal unit shear capacity, νsc or νwc, shall be permit-
ted to be taken as twice the nominal unit shear capacity for an equivalent shear wall sheathed on one
side.
4.3.3.3.1 For seismic design of shear walls
Exception: For wind design, the combined nominal unit shear capacity, νwc, of shear walls
sheathed with
a combination of wood structural panels, hardboard panel siding, or structural fiberboard on one side and
gypsum wallboard on the opposite side shall equal the sum of the sheathing capacities of each side.
sheathed with the same construction and materials on opposite sides of a shear wall, the shear wall
deflection shall be calculated using the combined apparent shear wall shear stiffness, Gac and the
combined nominal unit

shear capacity, νsc, using the following equations:
4.3.3.4 Shear Walls in a Line: The provisions of this section are limited to shear distribution to individ-
ual shear walls in a shear wall line where the individual shear walls have the same materials and
construction.
G = G + G (4.3-3)
ac a1 a2
ν =K G (4.3-4)
sc min ac
4.3.3.4.1 Shear distribution to individual shear walls in a shear wall line shall provide the same calcu-
lated deflection, δsw, in each shear wall.
Exceptions: 1. Where nominal shear capacities of all wood structural panel shear walls with aspect ratios
(h/bs) greater than 2:1 are multiplied by 2b

s/h for design, shear distribution to individual
full-height wall
segments shall be permitted to be taken as proportional to the shear capacities of individual full height
wall segments used in design. Where multiplied by 2bs/h, the nominal shear capacities need not be

reduced by the adjustment in 4.3.4.2.
2. Where nominal shear capacities of all structural fiberboard shear walls with aspect ratios (h/bs) greater
than 1:1 are multiplied by 0.1

+ 0.9bs/h for design, shear distribution to individual
full-height wall
segments shall be permitted to be taken as proportional to the shear capacities of individual full height
wall segments used in design. Where multiplied by 0.1 + 0.9bs/h, the nominal shear capacities need
not
be reduced by the adjustment in 4.3.4.2.
4.3.3.5 Shear Capacity of Perforated Shear Walls: The nominal shear capacity of a perforated shear wall
shall be taken as the tabulated nominal unit shear capacity multiplied by the sum of the shear wall
segment lengths, ΣLi, and the appropriate shear capacity adjustment
factor, Co, from Table 4.3.3.5 or
calculated using
the following equation:
tot O
i
Ltot = total length of a perforated shear wall in-
cluding the lengths of perforated shear wall segments and the lengths of segments con- taining openings,
ft
Ao = total area of openings in the perforated
shear wall where individual opening areas are calculated as the opening width times the clear opening
height, ft2. Where sheathing is not applied to framing above or below the opening, these areas shall be
included in the total area of openings. Where the opening height is less than h/3, an opening height of h/3
shall be used
h = height of the perforated shear wall, ft
ΣLi = sum of perforated shear wall segment
lengths Li , ft. Lengths of perforated shear wall segments with aspect ratios greater than 2:1 shall be
adjusted in accordance with 4.3.4.3.
4.3.4 Shear Wall Aspect Ratios and Capacity Adjustments
4.3.4.1 The size and shape of shear walls shall be limited to the aspect ratios in Table 4.3.4.
4.3.4.2 For wood structural panel shear walls with aspect ratios (h/bs) greater than 2:1, the nominal shear
capacity shall be multiplied by the Aspect Ratio Factor (WSP) = 1.25 - 0.125h/bs. For structural
fiberboard shear
walls with aspect ratios (h/bs) greater than 1:1, the
nominal shear capacity shall be
multiplied by the Aspect Ratio Factor (fiberboard) = 1.09 - 0.09 h/bs. C =⎛ │ ⎝ 3 - Lr
2r ⎞ │ ⎠∑ L
r=

1 1 +
h ∑ A o
L
i
4.3.4.3 Aspect Ratio of Perforated Shear Wall (4.3-5)
Segments: The aspect ratio limitations of Table 4.3.4 shall apply to perforated shear wall segments within
a perforated shear wall as illustrated in Figure 4C. Por-
(4.3-6)
tions of walls with aspect ratios exceeding 3.5:1 shall not be considered in the sum of shear wall
segments. In the design of perforated shear walls, the length of each perforated shear wall segment with
an aspect ratio greater than 2:1 shall be multiplied by 2bs/h for the where:

purposes of determining Li and Σ
Li. The provisions of
r = sheathing area ratio
Section 4.3.4.2 and the exceptions to Section 4.3.3.4.1 shall not apply to perforated shear wall segments.
4
Table 4.3.3.5 Shear Capacity Adjustment Factor, Co
Maximum Opening Height 1
Wall Height, h
h/3 h/2 2h/3 5h/6 h
8' Wall 2'-8" 4'-0" 5'-4" 6'-8" 8'-0"
10' Wall 3'-4" 5'-0" 6'-8" 8'-4" 10'-0"
Percent Full-Height Sheathing 2 Effective Shear Capacity Ratio
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
0.69 0.71 0.74 0.77 0.80 0.83 0.87 0.91 0.95 1.00
0.53 0.56 0.59 0.63 0.67 0.71 0.77 0.83 0.91 1.00
0.43 0.45 0.49 0.53 0.57 0.63 0.69 0.77 0.87 1.00
0.36 0.38 0.42 0.45 0.50 0.56 0.63 0.71 0.83 1.00 1 The maximum opening height shall be taken as the maximum opening clear
height in a perforated shear wall. Where areas above and/or below an opening remain unsheathed, the height of each opening
shall be defined as the clear height of the opening plus the unsheathed areas. 2 The sum of the perforated shear perforated shear
wall segment lengths, wall segments with aspect ratios greater than ∑Li, 2:1 divided shall by be the total length of the perforated
shear wall, adjusted in accordance with Section 4.3.4.3.
Ltot. Lengths of
4.3.4.4 Aspect Ratio of Force-transfer Shear Walls: The aspect ratio limitations of Table 4.3.4 shall apply
to the overall shear wall including openings and to each wall pier at the sides of openings. The height of a
wall pier with an opening on one side shall be defined as the clear height of the pier at the side of the
opening. The height of a wall pier with an opening on each side shall be defined as the larger of the clear
heights of the pier at the sides of the openings. The length of a wall pier shall be defined as the sheathed
length of the pier. Wall piers with aspect ratios exceeding 3.5:1 shall not be considered as portions of
force-transfer shear walls.
Table 4.3.4 Maximum Shear Wall Aspect
Ratios
Shear Wall Sheathing Type
4.3.5 Shear Wall Types
Where individual full-height wall segments are designed as shear walls, the provisions of 4.3.5.1 shall
apply. For shear walls with openings, where framing members, blocking, and connections around the
openings are designed for force transfer around the openings (force-transfer shear walls) the
provisions of 4.3.5.2 shall apply. For shear walls with openings, where framing members, blocking, and
connections around the opening are not designed for force transfer around the openings (perforated shear
walls) the provisions of 4.3.5.3 shall apply or individual full-height wall segments shall be designed per
4.3.5.1
4.3.5.1 Individual Full-Height Wall Segments: Where individual full-height wall segments are designed
as shear walls without openings, the aspect ra- Maximum
tio limitations of 4.3.4 shall apply to each full-height h/bs Ratio

wall segment as illustrated in Figure 4D. The follow- Wood structural panels, unblocked 2:1
ing limitations shall apply: Wood structural panels, blocked 3.5:1
1. Openings shall be permitted to occur beyond Particleboard, blocked 2:1
the ends of a shear wall. The length of such Diagonal sheathing, conventional 2:1
openings shall not be included in the length of G ypsum wallboard 2:11 Portland cement plaster 2:11 Structural
Fiberboard 3.5:1 1 Walls having aspect ratios exceeding 1.5:1 shall be blocked shear walls.
the shear walls. 2. Where out-of-plane offsets occur, portions of the wall on each side of the offset shall
be considered as separate shear walls. 3. Collectors for shear transfer to individual full-
height wall segments shall be provided.
Figure 4C Typical Shear Wall Height-to-Width

Ratio for Perforated Shear Walls
Figure
Ratio
Transfe
Note: bs is the minimum shear wall segment length, b,

in the perforated shear wall.
Figure 4D Typical Individual Full-Height Wall

Segments Height-to-Width Ratio
4.3.5.2 Force-transfer Shear Walls: Where shear 4.3.5.3 Perforated Shear Walls: Where shear walls with open
walls with openings are designed for force transfer the open
around the openings, the aspect ratio limitations of shear w
4.3.4.4 shall apply as illustrated in Figure 4E. Design on one
for force transfer shall be based on a rational analysis. sheathin
The following limitations shall apply:
1. The length of each wall pier shall not be less
than 2'. 2. A full-height wall segment shall be locatedCopyright
at © American Wood Council. Downloaded/printed pursuant to License Ag
authorized.
each end of a force-transfer shear wall. 3. Where out-of-plane offsets occur, portions of the wall on each
AMERICAN WOOD
side of the offset shall be considered asCOUNCIL
separate
force-transfer shear walls. 4. Collectors for shear
transfer shall be provided through the full length
4
of the force-transfer shear wall.
wallboard on the opposite side shall be permitted to be
etermined in accordance with Section 4.3.3.3.2. The
ollowing limitations shall apply:
capacity of perforated shear walls sheathed with wood 1. A perforated shear wall segment shall be lo-
structural panel sheathing on one side and gypsum cated at each end of a perforated shear wall.
Openings shall be permitted to occur beyond the nduced shear
ends of the perforated shear wall, provided the between members. When fasteners connecting the two
lengths of such openings are not included in the framing members are spaced less than 4" in center,
length of the perforated shear wall. 2. The aspect they shall be staggered.
ratio limitations of Section 4.3.4.3 4.3.6.1.2 Tension and Compression Chords: Ten-
shall apply. 3. The nominal unit shear sion force, T, and a compression force, C, resulting
capacity for a single- sided wall shall not exceed from shear wall overturning forces at each story level
1,740 plf for seismic or 2,435 plf for wind as shall be calculated in accordance with the following:
given in Table 4.3A. The nominal unit shear
T = C =ν h (4.3-7)
capacity for a double-sided wall shall not exceed
2,435 plf for wind. 4. Where out-of-plane offsets where
occur, portions of the wall on each side of the :
offset shall be considered as separate perforated
shear walls. 5. Collectors for shear transfer shall C = compression force,
be provided through the full length of the lbs
perforated shear wall. 6. A perforated shear wall h = shear wall height,
shall have uniform top-of-wall and bottom-of-wall ft
elevations. Perforated shear walls not having
uniform elevations shall be designed by other T = tension force,
methods. 7. Perforated shear wall height, h, shall lbs
not ex- ν = induced unit shear, lbs/ft
ceed 20'.
4.3.6.1.3 Tension and Compression Chords of
4.3.6 Construction Requirements Per- forated Shear Walls: Each end of each perforated
shear wall shall be designed for a tension force, T, and
4.3.6.1 Framing Requirements: All framing a compression force, C. Each end of each perforated
members and blocking used for shear wall shear wall segment shall be designed for a compres-
construction shall be 2" nominal or greater. Where sion force, C, in each segment. For perforated shear
shear walls are designed as blocked, all joints in walls, the values for T and C resulting from shear wall
sheathing shall occur over and be fastened to common overturning at each story level shall be calculated in
framing members or common blocking. Shear wall accordance with the following:
boundary elements, such as end posts, shall be
provided to transmit the design tension and C =
T= Vh C
compression forces. Shear wall sheathing shall not be
used to splice boundary elements. End posts (studs or
columns) shall be framed to provide full end bearing.
o
∑ L i
4.3.6.1.1 Common Framing Member: (4.3-8

Where a common framing member is required at )
adjoining panel edges, two framing members that are (4.3-8
at least 2" in nominal thickness shall be permitted )
provided they are fastened together with fasteners
designed in accordance with the NDS to transfer the
segment
lengths Li , ft. Lengths of perforated
where shear wall segments with aspect ratios
greater than 2:1 shall be adjusted in
:
accordance with 4.3.4.3.
Co = shear capacity adjustment factor from
4.3.6.2 Sheathing: Shear walls shall be sheathed
Table
with approved materials attached directly to the fram-
4.3.3.5
ing members, and blocking where required, except as
V = induced shear force in perforated permitted in 4.3.7.2. Details on sheathing types and
shear thicknesses for commonly used shear wall assemblies
wall, are provided in 4.3.7 and Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, and
lbs 4.3D.
ΣLi = sum of perforated shear wall
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
4.3.6.3 Fasteners: Sheathing shall be attached to framing members using nails or other approved fas-
teners. Nails shall be driven with the head of the nail flush with the surface of the sheathing. Other
approved fasteners shall be driven as required for proper installation of that fastener. See Appendix A
for common, box, and sinker nail dimensions.
4.3.6.3.1 Adhesives: Adhesive attachment of shear wall sheathing shall not be used alone, or in combina-
tion with mechanical fasteners.
Exception: Approved adhesive attachment systems shall be permitted for wind and seismic design in
Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C where R = 1.5 and Ω0 = 2.5, unless
other values are approved.
4.3.6.4 Shear Wall Anchorage and Load Path De- sign of shear wall anchorage and load path shall con-
form to the requirements of this section, or shall be calculated using principles of mechanics.
4.3.6.4.1 Anchorage for In-plane Shear: Connec- tions shall be provided to transfer the induced unit shear
force, ν, into and out of each shear wall.
4.3.6.4.1.1 In-plane Shear Anchorage for Perforat- ed Shear Walls: The maximum induced unit shear
force, νmax, transmitted into the top of a perforated shear

wall, out of the base of the perforated shear wall
at full height sheathing, and into collectors connecting shear wall segments, shall be calculated in
accordance with the following:
max
oi
slot length not to exceed 1-3/4", provided a standard cut washer (see Appendix A) is placed between the
plate washer and the nut. The plate washer shall extend to within 1/2" of the edge of the bottom plate on
the side(s) with sheathing or other material with nominal unit shear capacity greater than 400 plf for
wind or seismic.
Exception: Standard cut washers shall be permitted to be used where anchor bolts are designed to resist
shear only and the following requirements are met: a. The shear wall is designed in accordance with
provisions of 4.3.5.1 with required uplift anchorage at shear wall ends sized to resist overturning
neglecting dead load stabilizing moment. b. Shear wall aspect ratio, h:b, does not exceed
2:1. c. The nominal unit shear capacity of the shear wall does not exceed 980 plf for seismic or 1370 plf
for wind.
4.3.6.4.4 Load Path: A load path to the foundation shall be provided for uplift, shear, and compression
forces. Elements resisting shear wall forces contributed by multiple stories shall be designed for the sum
of forces contributed by each story.
4.3.7 Shear Wall Systems
ν=
CV
∑ L 4.3.7.1 Wood Structural Panel Shear Walls: Shear

(4.3-9)
walls sheathed with wood structural panel sheathing shall be permitted to be used to resist seismic and
wind
4.3.6.4.2 Uplift Anchorage at Shear Wall Ends: Where the dead load stabilizing moment is not suffi-
cient to prevent uplift due to overturning moments on the wall (from 4.3.6.1.2 or 4.3.6.1.3), an anchoring
device shall be provided at the end of each shear wall.
4.3.6.4.2.1 Uplift Anchorage for Perforated Shear Walls: In addition to the requirements of 4.3.6.4.2,
perforated shear wall bottom plates at full height
forces. The size and spacing of fasteners at shear wall boundaries and panel edges shall be as provided in
Table 4.3A. The shear wall shall be constructed as follows: 1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8',
except at boundaries
and changes in framing. All edges of all panels shall be supported by and fastened
to framing members or blocking.
sheathing shall be anchored for a uniform uplift force, t, equal to the unit shear force, νmax, determined in
4.3.6.4.1.1, or calculated by rational analysis.
4.3.6.4.3 Anchor Bolts: Foundation anchor bolts shall have a steel plate washer under each nut not less
than 0.229"x3"x3" in size. The hole in the plate washer shall be permitted to be diagonally slotted with
a
Exception: Horizontal blocking shall be permitted to be omitted, provided that the shear wall is designed
in accordance with all of the following: a. The deflection of the unblocked wood structural panel shear
wall shall be permit-
width of up to 3/16" larger than the bolt diameter and a
4
two framing members that are at least 2" in
nominal thickness shall be permitted where
designed in accordance with 4.3.6.1.1.
ted to be calculated in accordance with
Section 4.3.2.2. b. The strength of the 6. Maximum stud spacing shall be 24" on center.
unblocked wood structural panel shear wall 7. Wood structural panels shall conform to the
is determined in accordance with Section requirements for its type in DOC PS 1 or PS 2.
4.3.3.2, and c. Specified nail spacing at
supported edges 4.3.7.2 Shear Walls using Wood Structural
is no closer than 6" anels over Gypsum Wallboard or Gypsum Sheathing
o.c. oard:
Shear walls sheathed with wood structural panel
2. Nails shall be located at least 3/8" from the sheathing over gypsum wallboard or gypsum sheath-
panel edges. Maximum nail spacing at panel edges ing board shall be permitted to be used to resist seis-
shall be 6" on center. 3. Nails along intermediate mic and wind forces. The size and spacing of fasteners
framing members shall be the same size as nails at shear wall boundaries and panel edges shall be as
specified for panel edge nailing. At intermediate provided in Table 4.3B. The shear wall shall be con-
framing members, the maximum nail spacing shall structed in accordance with Section 4.3.7.1.
be 6" on center. 4.3.7.3 Particleboard Shear Walls: Shear walls
sheathed with particleboard sheathing shall be permit-
Exception: Where panels are thicker ted to be used to resist wind forces and seismic forces
than 7/16" (nominal) or studs are spaced in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C. The size
less than 24" on center, the maximum and spacing of fasteners at shear wall boundaries and
nail spacing shall be 12" on center. panel edges shall be as provided in Table 4.3A. The
shear wall shall be constructed as follows:
4. The width of the nailed face of framing mem- 1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8', except at
bers and blocking shall be 2" nominal or greater. boundaries and changes in framing. All edges of
5. Where any of the following conditions occur, all panels shall be supported by and fastened to
the width of the nailed face of a common framing framing members or blocking. 2. Nails shall be
member or blocking at adjoining panel edges located at least 3/8" from the panel edges.
shall be 3" nominal or greater and nailing shall be Maximum nail spacing at panel edges shall be 6"
staggered at all panel edges: a. Nail spacing of 2" on center. 3. Nails along intermediate framing
on center at adjoining members shall be the same size as nails specified
panel edges is specified, or b. 10d common for panel edge nailing. At intermediate framing
nails having penetration into framing members members, the maximum nail spacing shall be 6"
and blocking of more than 1-1/2" are specified on center.
at 3" on center, or less at adjoining panel
edges, or c. The nominal unit shear capacity Exception: Where panels are thicker
on either side of the shear wall exceeds 700 than 3/8" (nominal) or studs are spaced
plf in Seismic Design Category D, E, or F. less than 24" on center, the maximum
nail spacing shall be 12" on center.
In lieu of a single common framing member,
having penetration into framing members and
4. The width of the nailed face of framing mem- blocking of more than 1-1/2" are specified at
bers and blocking shall be 2" nominal or greater. 3" on center, or less at adjoining panel edges.
5. Where any of the following conditions occur,
the width of the nailed face of a common framing In lieu of a single common framing member,
member or blocking at adjoining panel edges two framing members that are at least 2" in
shall be 3" nominal or greater and nailing shall be nominal thickness shall be permitted where
staggered at all panel edges: a. Nail spacing of 2" designed in accordance with 4.3.6.1.1.
on center at adjoining
panel edges is specified, or b. 10d common nails
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
shall conform to ASTM
C 208.
4.3.7.5 Gypsum Wallboard, Gypsum Base

6. Maximum stud spacing shall be 24" on center. 7.
or Ve- neer Plaster, Water-Resistant Gypsum
Particleboard shall conform to ANSI A208.1. 4.3.7.4
acking Board, Gypsum Sheathing Board, Gypsum
Structural Fiberboard Shear Walls: Shear walls
ath and Plaster, or Portland Cement Plaster Shear
sheathed with fiberboard sheathing shall be per-
Walls: Shear walls sheathed with gypsum wallboard,
mitted to be used to resist wind forces and seismic
ypsum base for veneer plaster, water-resistant
forces in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C. The
ypsum backing board, gypsum sheathing board,
size and spacing of fasteners at shear wall boundaries
ypsum lath and plaster, or portland cement plaster
and panel edges shall be as provided in Table 4.3A.
hall be permitted to be used to resist wind forces and
The shear wall shall be constructed as follows:
eismic forces in Seismic De- sign Categories A, B, C,
1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8', except at
nd D. End joints of adjacent courses of gypsum
boundaries and changes in framing. All edges of
wallboard or sheathing shall not occur over the same
all panels shall be supported by and fastened to
ud. The size and spacing of fasteners at shear wall
framing members or blocking. 2. Nails shall be
oundaries, panel edges, and intermediate supports
located at least 3/4" from edges of panels at top
hall be as provided in Table 4.3C. Nails shall be
and bottom plates and at least 3/8" from all other
ocated at least 3/8" from the edges and ends of panels.
edges of panels. Maximum nail spacing at panel
he width of the nailed face of framing members and
edges shall be 4" on center. 3. Nails along
locking shall be 2" nominal or greater.
intermediate framing members and blocking shall
be the same size as installed at the panel edges. 4.3.7.5.1 Gypsum Wallboard, Gypsum Base
Maximum nail spacing shall be 6" on center. 4. or Veneer Plaster, Water-Resistant Gypsum Backing
The width of the nailed face of framing members oard: Gypsum wallboard, gypsum base for veneer
and blocking shall be 2" nominal or greater at laster, or water resistant gypsum backing board shall
adjoining panel edges. 5. Maximum stud spacing be applied parallel or perpendicular to studs. Gypsum
shall be 16" on center. 6. Fiberboard sheathing wallboard shall conform to ASTM C 1396 and shall
be installed in accordance with ASTM C 840. Gypsum
base for veneer plaster shall conform to ASTM C Single-Layer of Lumber: Single diagonally sheathed
1396 and shall be installed in accordance with ASTM lumber shear walls shall be permitted to be used to
C 844. Water-resistant gypsum backing board shall resist wind forces and seismic forces in Seismic De-
conform to ASTM C 1396 and shall be installed in sign Categories A, B, C, and D. Single diagonally
accordance with ASTM C 840. sheathed lumber shear walls shall be constructed of
4.3.7.5.2 Gypsum Sheathing Board: Four-foot- minimum 1" thick nominal sheathing boards laid at an
wide pieces of gypsum sheathing board shall be ap- angle of approximately 45 to the supports. End
plied parallel or perpendicular to studs. Two-foot-wide joints in adjacent boards shall be separated by at least
pieces of gypsum sheathing board shall be applied one stud space and there shall be at least two boards
perpendicular to the studs. Gypsum sheathing board between joints on the same support. Nailing of
shall conform to ASTM C 1396 and shall be installed diagonally sheathed lumber shear walls shall be in
in accordance with ASTM C 1280. accordance with Table 4.3D.
4.3.7.5.3 Gypsum Lath and Plaster: Gypsum lath 4.3.7.7 Shear Walls Diagonally Sheathed with
shall be applied perpendicular to the studs. Gypsum Double-Layer of Lumber: Double diagonally sheathed
lath shall conform to ASTM C 1396 and shall be in- lumber shear walls shall be permitted to be used to
stalled in accordance with ASTM C 841. Gypsum resist wind forces and seismic forces in Seismic De-
plaster shall conform to the requirements of ASTM C sign Categories A, B, C, and D. Double diagonally
28. sheathed lumber shear walls shall be constructed of
4.3.7.5.4 Expanded Metal or Woven Wire Lath two layers of 1" thick nominal diagonal sheathing
and Portland Cement: Expanded metal or woven wire boards laid perpendicular to each other on the same
lath and portland cement shall conform to ASTM C face of the supporting members. Nailing of diagonally
847, ASTM C 1032, and ASTM C 150 and shall be 4
installed in accordance with ASTM C 926 and ASTM
C 1063. Metal lath and lath attachments shall be of 4
corrosion-resistant material.
4.3.7.6 Shear Walls Diagonally Sheathed with
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
with Table 4.3D.
4.3.7.8 Shear Walls Horizontally Sheathed
with Single-Layer of Lumber: Horizontally sheathed
sheathed lumber shear walls shall be in accordance um- ber shear walls shall be permitted to be used to
resist wind forces and seismic forces in Seismic 4.3.7.9 Shear Walls Sheathed with Vertical Board
Design Cat- egories A, B, and C. Horizontally Siding: Vertical board siding shear walls shall be per-
sheathed lumber shear walls shall be constructed of mitted to be used to resist wind forces and seismic
minimum 1" thick nominal sheathing boards applied forces in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C. Ver-
perpendicular to the supports. End joints in adjacent tical board siding shear walls shall be constructed of
boards shall be separated by at least one stud space minimum 1" thick nominal sheathing boards applied
and there shall be at least two boards between joints directly to studs and blocking. Nailing of vertical
on the same support. board siding shear walls shall be in accordance with
Nailing of horizontally sheathed lumber shear walls Table 4.3D.
shall be in accordance with Table 4.3D.
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
4
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
4
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
4.4 Wood Structural Panels Designed to Resist Combined Shear
and Uplift from Wind
4.4.1 Application
Walls sheathed with wood structural panel sheathing or siding shall be permitted to be designed for
simultaneously resisting shear and uplift from wind forces. The ASD allowable unit uplift capacity shall
be determined by dividing the tabulated nominal uplift capacity in Table 4.4.1, modified by applicable
footnotes, by the ASD reduction factor of 2.0. The LRFD factored unit uplift resistance shall be
determined by multiplying the tabulated nominal uplift capacity in Table 4.4.1 modified by applicable
footnotes, by a resistance factor,
2. Anchorage of bottom plates or sill plates to the foundation shall be designed to resist the combined
uplift and shear forces developed in the wall. Anchors shall be spaced in accordance with Table 4.4.1.6.
a. Where anchor bolts are used, a minimum 0.229" x 3" x 3" steel plate washer shall be used at each
anchor bolt location. The edge of the plate washer shall extend to within 1/2" of the edge of the bottom
plate on the sheathed side. b. Where other anchoring devices are used to
z, of 0.65. Uplift anchorage at shear wall ends shall be designed in accordance with 4.3.6.4.2.
4.4.1.1 Nails: Nails in any single row shall not be spaced closer than 3" on center.
4.4.1.2 Panels: Panels shall have a minimum nominal panel thickness of 7/16" and shall be installed
with the strength axis parallel or perpendicular to the studs. 4.4.1.3 Horizontal Joints: All horizontal
joints shall
occur over common framing members or com-
anchor the wall to the foundation, they shall be installed on the same side of the wall as the sheathing
unless other approved methods are used. 3. An anchor bolt shall be provided at each end of each plate.
Anchor bolts at the end of the plate shall be at least 7 times the anchor bolt diameter from the end, but not
more than 1⁄2 the tabulated anchor bolt spacing in accordance with Table 4.4.1.6 or 12", whichever is
less.
mon blocking and shall meet all other requirements of Section 4.3.
4.4.1.4 Openings: Where windows and doors in-
Exception: Where a hold-down anchor is used at the end of the plate, the end distance shall be permitted
to be measured from the anchor terrupt wood structural panel sheathing or siding,
bolt to the center of the hold-down anchor. framing anchors or connectors shall be provided to resist and
transfer the appropriate uplift loads around the opening and into the foundation.
4.4.1.5 Sheathing Extending to Top Plate: The following requirements shall apply:
1. The top edge of the wood structural panel shall be attached to the upper top plate. Nail row, end
spacing, and edge spacing shall be as shown in Figure 4F. 2. Roof or upper level uplift connectors shall
be on the same side of the wall as the sheathing unless other methods are used to prevent twisting of the
top plate due to eccentric loading.
4.4.1.7 Sheathing Splices: 1. In multi-story applications where the upper story and lower story sheathing
adjoin over a common horizontal framing member, the nail spacing shall not be less than 3" o.c. for a sin-
gle row nor 6" o.c. for a double row in Table 4.4.1 (see Figure 4G). 2. In single or multi-story
applications where horizontal joints in the sheathing occur over blocking between studs, nailing of the
sheathing to the studs above and below the joint shall be designed to transfer the uplift across the joint
(see Figure 4H). The uplift capacity shall not exceed the capacity in Table 4.4.1.6 Sheathing Extending to
Bottom Plate or
4.4.1. Blocking shall be designed in accord- Sill Plate: The following requirements shall apply:
ance with Section 4.4.1.3 for shear transfer. 1. The bottom edge of the wood structural panel shall extend
to and be attached to the bottom
Exception: Horizontal blocking and sheath- plate or sill plate as shown in Figure 4F.
ing tension splices placed between studs and
4
backing the horizontal joint shall be permitted to be used to resist both uplift and shear at sheathing
splices over studs provided the following conditions are met (see Figure 4I):
a. Sheathing tension splices shall be made from the same thickness and grade as the shear wall sheathing.
b. Edges of sheathing shall be nailed to sheathing tension splices using the same nail size and spacing as
the sheathing or siding nails at the bottom plate.
4.4.2 Wood Structural Panels Designed to Resist Only Uplift from Wind
Where walls sheathed with wood structural panel sheathing or siding are designed to resist only uplift
from wind forces, they shall be in accordance with Section 4.4.1, except that panels with a minimum
nominal panel thickness of 3/8" shall be permitted when installed with the strength axis parallel to the
studs. The ASD allowable unit uplift shall be determined by dividing the tabulated nominal uplift
capacity in Table 4.4.2, modified by applicable footnotes, by the ASD reduction factor of 2.0. The
LRFD factored uplift resistance shall be determined by multiplying the tabulated nominal unit uplift
capacity in Table 4.4.2, modified by applicable footnotes, by a resistance factor,
Z, of 0.65.
Figure 4F Panel Attachment

Figure 4G Panel Splice Occurring over Horizontal Framing Member

Figure 4H Panel Splice Occurring across Studs
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
4
Figure 4I Sheathing Splice Plate (Alternate Detail)

AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
Table 4.4.1 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 7/16" (Nominal) Minimum Wood Structural Panel
Sheathing or Siding When Used for Both Shear Walls and Wind Uplift Simultaneously over
Framing with a Specific Gravity of 0.42 or Greater 1
Nail Spacing Required for Shear Wall Design 6d Common Nail 6" panel edge spacing 12" field spacing
8d Common Nail 6" panel edge spacing 12" field spacing
10d Common Nail 6" panel edge spacing 12" field spacing Alternate Nail Spacing at Top and Bottom Plate Edges 6" 4" 3"
6" 4" 3" 6" 4" 3" 6" 4" 3"
Nails- Single
Uplift Capacity (plf) of Wood Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding 2,3
0 168 336 0 216 432 NA 0 216 0 262 524
Row 4 Nails- Double
336 672 1008 432 864 1296 216 648 1080 524 1048 1572
Row 5 1. Nominal unit uplift capacities shall be adjusted in accordance
with 4.4.1 to determine ASD allowable unit uplift capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance.
Anchors shall be installed in accordance with this section. See Appendix A for common nail dimensions. 2. Where framing has a
specific gravity of 0.49 or greater, uplift values in table 4.4.1 shall be permitted to be multiplied by 1.08. 3. Where nail size is 6d
common or 8d common, the tabulated uplift values are applicable to 7/16" (nominal) minimum OSB panels or 15/32" (nominal) mini-
mum plywood with species of plies having a specific gravity of 0.49 or greater. Where nail size is 10d common, the tabulated uplift
values are applicable to 15/32" (nominal) minimum OSB or plywood with a species of plies having a specific gravity of 0.49 or
greater. For plywood with other species, multiply the tabulated uplift values by 0.90. 4. Wood structural panels shall overlap the top
member of the double top plate and bottom plate by 1-1/2" and a single row of fasteners shall be placed 3⁄4" from
the panel edge. 5. Wood structural panels shall overlap the top member of the double top plate and bottom plate by 1-1/2". Rows of
fasteners shall be 1⁄2" apart with a minimum
edge distance of 1⁄2". Each row shall have nails at the specified spacing.
Table 4.4.1.6 Maximum Anchor Bolt Spacing (inches) for Combined Shear and Wind Uplift1,2
Nail Size
Nominal Unit Shear Capacity
Nominal Uplift Capacity (plf)
(plf) G=0.50 0 216 432 648 864 1080 1296 1458 1728 1944 2160 G=0.42 0 200 400 600 800
1000 1200 1350 1600 1800 2000 8d common (0.131" x 2-1/2")
0 0 483 42 36 36 32 24 24 19.2 16 - - 400 368 48 42 36 36 32 24 24 19.2 16 - - 670 616 36 32 24 24 24 24 19.2 19.2 16 - - 980 902
24 24 19.2 19.2 19.2 16 16 - - - - 10d common (0.148" x 3")
0 0 483 42 36 36 32 24 24 19.2 16 16 16 400 368 48 42 36 36 32 24 24 19.2 16 - - 870 800 24 24 24 19.2 19.2 19.2 16 16 - - -
G = Specific Gravity of framing members - Not Permitted 1. The minimum nominal panel thickness of wall sheathing shall be in accordance
with Section 4.4.1.2. 2. Tabulated anchor bolt spacings are for minimum 1⁄2" diameter “full-body diameter” bolts (see NDS Appendix Table L1)
3. This anchor bolt spacing is provided for interpolation purposes.
4
Table 4.4.2 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 3/8" (Nominal) Minimum Wood Structural Panel
Sheathing or Siding When Used for Wind Uplift Only over Framing with a Specific Gravity of
0.42 or Greater 1
10d Common Nail 6" panel edge spacing 12" field spacing Alternate Nail Spacing at Top and Bottom Panel Edges 6" 4" 3"
6" 4" 3" 6" 4" 3" Uplift Capacity (plf) of Wood Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding 2,3

Nails- Single
320 480 640 416 624 832 500 750 1000
Row 4 Nails- Double
640 960 1280 832 1248 1664 1000 1500 2000
Row 5 1. Nominal unit uplift capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.4.2 to
determine ASD allowable unit uplift capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance.
Anchors shall be installed in accordance with this section. See Appendix A for common nail dimensions. 2. Where framing has a
specific gravity of 0.49 or greater, uplift values in table 4.4.2 shall be permitted to be multiplied by 1.08. 3. The tabulated uplift
values are applicable to 3/8" (nominal) minimum OSB panels or plywood with species of plies having a specific gravity of 0.49 or
greater.
For plywood with other species, multiply the tabulated uplift values by 0.90. 4. Wood structural panels shall overlap the top member
of the double top plate and bottom plate by 1-1/2" and a single row of fasteners shall be placed 3⁄4" from
the panel edge. 5. Wood structural panels shall overlap the top member of the double top plate and bottom plate by 1-1/2". Rows of
fasteners shall be 1⁄2" apart with a minimum
edge distance of 1⁄2". Each row shall have nails at the specified spacing.
45 SPECIAL DESIGN
APPENDIX A
Table A1 Standard Common, Box, and Sinker Nails .......... 46
Table A2 Standard Cut Washers .......................................... 46

A
Copyright © American Wood Council. Downloaded/printed pursuant to License Ag

authorized. COUNCIL
AMERICAN WOOD
46 APPENDIX A
Table Table A
1 Standard A1 Standard Common, Common, Box, Box, and and Sinker Sinker NailsNails1
1
L
D = diameter L = length
D
H = head diameter Common or Box Sinker
Pennyweight Type 6d 7d 8d 10d 12d 16d 20d 30d 40d 50d 60d
Common
1. Tolerances specified in ASTM F 1667. Typical shape of common, box, and sinker nails shown. See ASTM F1667 for other nail types.
1. For other standard cut washers, see ANSI/ASME B18.21.1. Tolerances are provided in ANSI/ASME
B18.21.1. LH
D
Dimensions of Standard Cut Washers1
Nominal Washer Size (in.)
H
L 2" 2-1/4" 2-1/2" 3" 3-1/4" 3-1/2" 4" 4-1/2" 5" 5-1/2" 6" D 0.113" 0.113" 0.131" 0.148" 0.148" 0.162" 0.192" 0.207" 0.225" 0.244"
0.263" H 0.266" 0.266" 0.281" 0.312" 0.312" 0.344" 0.406" 0.438" 0.469" 0.5" 0.531"
Box
L 2" 2-1/4" 2-1/2" 3" 3-1/4" 3-1/2" 4" 4-1/2" 5" - - D 0.099" 0.099" 0.113" 0.128" 0.128" 0.135" 0.148" 0.148" 0.162" - - H 0.266"
0.266" 0.297" 0.312" 0.312" 0.344" 0.375" 0.375" 0.406" - -
Sinker
L 1-7/8" 2-1/8" 2-3/8" 2-7/8" 3-1/8" 3-1/4" 3-3/4" 4-1/4" 4-3/4" - 5-3/4" D 0.092" 0.099" 0.113" 0.12" 0.135" 0.148" 0.177" 0.192"
0.207" - 0.244" H 0.234" 0.250" 0.266" 0.281" 0.312" 0.344" 0.375" 0.406" 0.438" - 0.5"
Table A2 Standard Cut Washers
A B C Inside Diameter (in.) Outside Diameter (in.) Thickness (in.)
Basic Basic Basic
3/8 0.438 1.000 0.083
1/2 0.562 1.375 0.109
5/8 0.688 1.750 0.134 3/4 0.812 2.000 0.148
7/8 0.938 2.250 0.165 1 1.062 2.500 0.165
47 SPECIAL DESIGN
REFERENCES
R
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
48 REFERENCES
References
1. ASTM C 840-13, Standard Specification for
1. ASD/LRFD Manual for Engineered Wood Construc-
Applica- tion and Finishing of Gypsum Board, ASTM,
tion, American Wood Council, Leesburg, VA,
West Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
2012
2. ASTM C 841-03 (2013), Standard Specification for
2. ANSI/ASME B18.21.1-2009, Washers: Helical
nstallation of Interior Lathing and Furring, ASTM,
Spring-Lock, Tooth Lock, and Plain Washers (Inch
West Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
Series), American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
13. ASTM C 844-04 (2010), Standard Specification for
New York, NY, 2009.
Application of Gypsum Base to Receive Gypsum Ve-
3. ANSI/AWC NDS-2015, National Design Specifica- neer Plaster, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, 2010.
tion (NDS) for Wood Construction, American Wood
14. ASTM C 847-12, Standard Specification for Metal
Council, Leesburg, VA, 2014.
Lath, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA,
4. ANSI A208.1-2009, Particleboard Standard, ANSI, 2012.
New York, NY,
15. ASTM C 926-13a, Standard Specification for Ap-
2009.
plication of Portland Cement-Based Plaster, ASTM,
5. ANSI/CPA A135.6 Engineered Wood Siding, Com- West Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
posite Panel Association, Gaithersburg, MD, 16. ASTM C 1002-07 (2013) Standard Specification for
2012. Steel Self-Piercing Tapping Screws for the Ap- plication
6. ASTM C1396/C1396M-13, Standard Specification of Gypsum Panel Products or Metal Plaster Bases to
for Gypsum Board, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, Wood Studs or Steel Studs, ASTM, West
2013. Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
7. ASCE/SEI Standard 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for 17. ASTM C 1032-06 (2011), Standard Specification for
Buildings and Other Structures, American Society of Woven Wire Plaster Base, ASTM, West Con-
Civil Engineers, Reston, VA, 2010. shohocken, PA, 2011.
8. ASTM C 28/C 28M-10, Standard Specification for 18. ASTM C 1063-13, Standard Specification for Instal-
Gypsum Plasters, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, lation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and
2010. Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster, ASTM, West
Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
9. ASTM C 150-12, Standard Specification for Portland
19. ASTM C 1280-13a, Standard Specification for Ap-
Cement, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA,
plication of Exterior Gypsum Panel Products for Use as
2012.
Sheathing, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
10. ASTM C 208-12, Standard Specification for Cel-
20. ASTM F 1667-13, Standard Specification for Driven
lulosic Fiber Insulating Board, ASTM, West Con-
Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples, ASTM, West
shohocken, PA, 2012.
Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
22. PS 2-10 Performance Standard for Wood-Based
21. PS 1-09 (Structural Plywood), United States Depart- Structural Use Panels, United States Department of
ment of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Commerce, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 2009. Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 2011.
AMERICAN WOOD
COUNCIL
American Wood
Council
AWC Mission Statement To increase the use

of wood by assuring the broad regulatory
acceptance of wood products, developing design
tools and guidelines for wood construction, and
influencing the development of public policies
affecting the use and manufacture of wood
products.
esburg, VA 20175 www.awc.org info@awc.org
06-1
ISBN
978-1-940383-04-0 American Wood Council 222 Catoctin Circle, SE, Suite 201

Awc Sdpws2015 Viewonly 1508

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Awc Sdpws2015 Viewonly 1508

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Awc Sdpws2015 Viewonly 1508

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

By downloading this file to your computer, you are accepting and agreeing to the terms of

Updates and Errata ​While every

First Web Version: November

Copyright Permission American

Printed in the United States of

Engineered design of wood structures to 2.1.3 Sizes

2.1.2.1 Allowable Stress Design: Allowable

HARDBOARD. ​A fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel

REQUIRED STRENGTH. ​Strength of a member,

CONNECTIONS Table 3.1.1.1 Wall Stud Repetitive Membe

Table 3.2.2 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf) for

In addition to gravity loads, wall framing ut-of- plane

16 (contact ​3/4 24 24 manufacturer)

​ ​b​, of 0.85. Sheathing used in diaphragm as- semblies

Uplift force resisting systems shall comply

3.4.1. General 1. Metal connectors, continuous tie rods, or oth-

Exception: ​Walls sheathed with wood structural panel

Table 4.4.2 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 3/8" W

Table 4.3.3.2 Unblocked Shear Wall Adjustment Factor, C​ub ​..26

Table 4.3.3.5 Shear Capacity Adjustment Factor, C​o ​................28

Table 4.3.4 Maximum Shear Wall Aspect Ratios ....................28

4.2.5.2.1 For open front structures one story

The shear wall deflection, ​δ​sw​, shall be permitted to

applicable footnotes, by a resistance factor, ​φ​D​, of E

where: ​C​ub ​= Unblocked shear wall adjustment factor rom

Nail Spacing (in.) ​Stud Spacing (in.) Supported

combined nominal unit

(h/b​s​) greater than 2:1 are multiplied by 2b​

than 1:1 are multiplied by 0.1

tio limitations of 4.3.4 shall apply to each full-height ​h/b​s ​Ratio

Figure 4C Typical Shear Wall Height-to-Width

Note: ​b​s ​is the minimum shear wall segment length, b,

Figure 4D Typical Individual Full-Height Wall

4.3.6.1.1 Common Framing Member: (4.3-8

ΣL​i ​= sum of perforated shear wall

force, ​ν​max​, transmitted into the top of a perforated shear

∑ ​L ​4.3.7.1 Wood Structural Panel Shear Walls: Shear

4.3.7.5 Gypsum Wallboard, Gypsum Base

Figure 4F Panel Attachment

Figure 4G Panel Splice Occurring over Horizontal Framing Member

Figure 4​I ​Sheathing Splice Plate (Alternate Detail)

Table A1 Standard Common, Box, and Sinker Nails .......... 46

Table A2 Standard Cut Washers .......................................... 46

Copyright © American Wood Council. Downloaded/printed pursuant to License Ag

AWC Mission Statement ​To increase the use

You might also like

Updates and Errata While every

HARDBOARD. A fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel

REQUIRED STRENGTH. Strength of a member,

16 (contact 3/4 24 24 manufacturer)

b, of 0.85. Sheathing used in diaphragm as- semblies

Exception: Walls sheathed with wood structural panel

Table 4.3.3.2 Unblocked Shear Wall Adjustment Factor, Cub ..26

Table 4.3.3.5 Shear Capacity Adjustment Factor, Co ................28

The shear wall deflection, δsw, shall be permitted to

applicable footnotes, by a resistance factor, φD, of E

where: Cub = Unblocked shear wall adjustment factor rom

Nail Spacing (in.) Stud Spacing (in.) Supported

(h/bs) greater than 2:1 are multiplied by 2b

tio limitations of 4.3.4 shall apply to each full-height h/bs Ratio

Note: bs is the minimum shear wall segment length, b,

ΣLi = sum of perforated shear wall

force, νmax, transmitted into the top of a perforated shear

∑ L 4.3.7.1 Wood Structural Panel Shear Walls: Shear

Figure 4I Sheathing Splice Plate (Alternate Detail)

AWC Mission Statement To increase the use