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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 [Link].
Technical inquiries may be addressed to
awcinfo@[Link].

The American Wood Council (AWC) is the wood products division of the American Forest & Paper
Association (AF&PA). AF&PA is the national trade association of the forest, paper, and wood products
industry, representing member companies engaged in growing, harvesting, and processing wood and

and producing engineered and traditional wood products. For more information see [Link].
 [Link] Allowable Stress Design: Allowable stress
design (ASD) shall be in accordance with the
The provisions of this document cover materials,
design and construction of wood members, fasteners, (ANSI/AF&PA NDS-05) and provisions of
and assemblies to resist wind and seismic forces. this document.
[Link] Strength Design: Load and resistance factor
design (LRFD) of wood structures shall be in accor-
dance with the
(ANSI/AF&PA NDS-05) and
Engineered design of wood structures to resist wind provisions of this document.
and seismic forces shall be by one of the methods de-
scribed in [Link] and [Link].

Exception: Wood structures shall be permit-

ted to be constructed in accordance with pre-
scriptive provisions permitted by the authority
having jurisdiction.

ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN. A method of pro- DIAPHRAGM. A roof, floor, or other membrane
portioning structural members and their connections bracing system acting to transmit lateral forces to the
such that stresses do not exceed specified allowable vertical resisting elements. When the term dia-
stresses when the structure is subjected to appropriate phragm is used, it includes horizontal bracing systems.
load combinations (also called working stress design).
DIAPHRAGM, BLOCKED. A diaphragm in which
ASD REDUCTION FACTOR. A factor to reduce all adjacent panel edges are fastened to either common
nominal strength to an allowable stress design level. framing members or common blocking.
BOUNDARY ELEMENT. Diaphragm and shear wall DIAPHRAGM, FLEXIBLE. A diaphragm is flexible
boundary members to which sheathing transfers forces. for the purpose of distribution of story shear when the
Boundary elements include chords and collectors at computed maximum in-plane deflection of the dia-
diaphragm and shear wall perimeters, interior openings, phragm itself under lateral load is greater than two
discontinuities, and re-entrant corners. times the average deflection of adjoining vertical ele-
ments of the lateral force resisting system of the associ-
CHORD. A boundary element perpendicular to the
ated story under equivalent tributary lateral load.
applied load that resists axial stresses due to the in-
duced moment. DIAPHRAGM, RIGID. A diaphragm is rigid for the
purpose of distribution of story shear and torsional
COLLECTOR. A diaphragm or shear wall element
moment when the computed maximum in-plane deflec-
parallel and in line with the applied force that collects
tion of the diaphragm itself under lateral load is less
and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical
than or equal to two times the average deflection of ad-
elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or
joining vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting
distributes forces within the diaphragm.
system of the associated story under equivalent tribu-
COMPOSITE PANELS. A wood structural panel tary lateral load. For analysis purposes, it can be as-
comprised of wood veneer and reconstituted wood- sumed that a rigid diaphragm distributes story shear and
based material bonded together with a waterproof adhe- torsional moment into lines of shear walls by the rela-
sive. tive lateral stiffness of the shear walls.
DIAPHRAGM BOUNDARY. A location where shear signed and detailed for force transfer around wall open-
is transferred into or out of the diaphragm sheathing. ings, and meets the requirements of [Link].
Transfer is either to a boundary element or to another
PERFORATED SHEAR WALL SEGMENT. A
force-resisting element.
section of a perforated shear wall with full height
DIAPHRAGM, UNBLOCKED. A diaphragm that sheathing that meets the requirements for maximum
has fasteners at boundaries and supporting members aspect ratio limits in 4.3.4.
only. Blocking between supporting structural members
PLYWOOD. A wood structural panel comprised of
at panel edges is not included.
plies of wood veneer arranged in cross-aligned layers.
FIBERBOARD. A fibrous, homogeneous panel made The plies are bonded with an adhesive that cures on
from lignocellulosic fibers (usually wood or cane) and application of heat and pressure.
having a density of less than 31 pounds per cubic foot
REQUIRED STRENGTH. Strength of a member,
but more than 10 pounds per cubic foot.
cross section, or connection required to resist factored
FORCE-TRANSFER SHEAR WALL. A shear wall loads or related internal moments and forces.
with openings in the wall that has been specifically de-
RESISTANCE FACTOR. A factor that accounts for
signed and detailed for force transfer around the open-
deviations of the actual strength from the nominal
ings.
strength and the manner and consequences of failure.
HARDBOARD. A fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY. A classification
made from lignocellulosic fibers consolidated under
assigned to a structure based on its Seismic Use Group
heat and pressure in a hot press to a density not less
(see building code) and the severity of the design earth-
than 31 pounds per cubic foot.
quake ground motion at the site.
LATERAL STIFFNESS. The inverse of the deforma-
SHEAR WALL. A wall designed to resist lateral
tion of shear walls under an applied unit load, or the
forces parallel to the plane of a wall.
force required to deform a shear wall a unit distance.
SHEAR WALL, BLOCKED. A shear wall in which
LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN
all adjacent panel edges are fastened to either common
(LRFD). A method of proportioning structural mem-
framing members or common blocking.
bers and their connections using load and resistance
factors such that no applicable limit state is reached SHEAR WALL, UNBLOCKED. A shear wall that
when the structure is subjected to appropriate load has fasteners at boundaries and vertical framing mem-
combinations. bers only. Blocking between vertical framing members
at adjacent panel edges is not included.
NOMINAL STRENGTH. Strength of a member,
cross section, or connection before application of any SHEAR WALL LINE. A series of shear walls in a
strength reduction factors. line at a given story level.
ORIENTED STRAND BOARD. A mat-formed wood TIE-DOWN (HOLD DOWN). A device used to resist
structural panel product composed of thin rectangular uplift of the chords of shear walls.
wood strands or wafers arranged in oriented layers and WALL PIER. A section of wall adjacent to an open-
bonded with waterproof adhesive. ing and equal in height to the opening, which is de-
PARTICLEBOARD. A generic term for a panel pri- signed to resist lateral forces in the plane of the wall
marily composed of cellulosic materials (usually according to the force-transfer method ([Link]).
wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or parti- WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL. A panel manufac-
cles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic mate- tured from veneers; or wood strands or wafers; or a
rial is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable combination of veneer and wood strands or wafers;
bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bonded together with waterproof synthetic resins or
bond is created by the bonding system under heat and other suitable bonding systems. Examples of wood
pressure. structural panels are plywood, oriented strand board
PERFORATED SHEAR WALL. A shear wall with (OSB), or composite panels.
openings in the wall that has not been specifically de-
3.1 Framing 8
3.2 Sheathing 8
3.3 Connections 10

Table [Link] Wall Stud Repetitive Member Factors .............. 8

Table 3.2.1 Nominal Uniform Load Capacities (psf) for
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
 In addition to gravity loads, wall framing shall be In addition to gravity loads, floor framing shall be
designed to resist induced wind and seismic forces. designed to resist induced wind and seismic forces. The
The framing shall be designed using the methods refer- framing shall be designed using the methods referenced
enced in [Link] for allowable stress design (ASD) and in [Link] for allowable stress design (ASD) and [Link]
[Link] for strength design (LRFD). for strength design (LRFD).
[Link] Wall Stud Bending Design Value Increase:
The reference bending design value, Fb, for sawn lum-
ber wood studs resisting out-of-plane wind loads shall
be permitted to be increased by the repetitive member In addition to gravity loads, roof framing shall be
factors in Table [Link], in lieu of the NDS repetitive designed to resist induced wind and seismic forces. The
member factor, Cr=1.15. The repetitive member factors framing shall be designed using the methods referenced
in Table [Link] apply when studs are designed for in [Link] for allowable stress design (ASD) and [Link]
bending, spaced no more than 16" on center, covered for strength design (LRFD).
on the inside with a minimum of 1/2" gypsum wall-
board, attached in accordance with minimum building
code requirements and sheathed on the exterior with a
minimum of 3/8" wood structural panel sheathing with
all panel joints occurring over studs or blocking and
attached using a minimum of 8d common nails spaced a
maximum of 6" on center at panel edges and 12" on
center at intermediate framing members.

2x4 1.50
2x6 1.35
2x8 1.25
2x10 1.20
2x12 1.15

dividing the nominal uniform load capacities in Table

3.2.1 by an ASD reduction factor of 1.6. The LRFD
Exterior wall sheathing and its fasteners shall be factored uniform load capacities to be used for wind
capable of resisting and transferring wind loads to the design shall be determined by multiplying the nominal
wall framing. Maximum spans and nominal uniform uniform load capacities in Table 3.2.1 by a resistance
load capacities for wall sheathing materials are given in factor, b , of 0.85. Sheathing used in shear wall assem-
Table 3.2.1. The ASD allowable uniform load capaci- blies to resist lateral forces shall be designed in accor-
ties to be used for wind design shall be determined by dance with 4.3.
 5
Strength Axis
Perpendicular to Supports Parallel to Supports
Minimum Maximum Actual Stud Spacing Maximum Actual Stud Spacing
3
Sheathing Type Span Rating or Grade Thickness Stud (in.) Stud (in.)
(in.) Spacing 12 16 24 Spacing 12 16 24
(in.) (in.)
Nominal Uniform Nominal Uniform
Loads (psf) Loads (psf)
2
Wood Structural Panels 24/0 3/8 24 425 240 105 24 90 50 25
(Sheathing Grades, C-C, 24/16 7/16 24 540 305 135 24 110 60 252
C-D, C-C Plugged, OSB) 4
32/16 15/32 24 625 355 155 24 155 90 40 2
40/20 19/32 24 955 595 265 24 255 145 65 2
2
48/24 23/32 24 1160 805 360 24 380 215 95
Particleboard Sheathing 3/8 16 (contact 16 (contact
(M-S Exterior Glue) 1/2 16 manufacturer) 16 manufacturer)
Particleboard Panel Siding 5/8 16 (contact 16 (contact
(M-S Exterior Glue) 3/4 24 manufacturer) 24 manufacturer)
Hardboard Siding Lap Siding 7/16 16 460 260 - - - - -
(Direct to Studs) 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 Regular 1/2 16 90 50 - 16 90 50 -
Sheathing 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. Sheathing shall be plywood with 4 or more plies or OSB.
3. 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.
4. 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

5. 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.
 load capacities for roof sheathing materials are given in
Table 3.2.2. The ASD allowable uniform load capaci-
Floor sheathing shall be capable of resisting and ties to be used for wind design shall be determined by
transferring gravity loads to the floor framing. Sheath- dividing the nominal uniform load capacities in Table
ing used in diaphragm assemblies to resist lateral forces 3.2.2 by an ASD reduction factor of 1.6. The LRFD
shall be designed in accordance with 4.2. factored uniform load capacities to be used for wind
design shall be determined by multiplying the nominal
uniform load capacities in Table 3.2.2 by a resistance
factor, b , of 0.85. Sheathing used in diaphragm as-
semblies to resist lateral forces shall be designed in ac-
Roof sheathing and its fasteners shall be capable of cordance with 4.2.
resisting and transferring wind and gravity loads to the
roof framing. Maximum spans and nominal uniform

2 4
Sheathing Type Span Rating or Grade Minimum Strength Axis Applied
Thickness Perpendicular to Supports
(in.)
Rafter/Truss Spacing (in.)

12 16 19.2 24 32 48

Nominal Uniform Loads (psf)

Wood Structural Panels 24/0 3/8 425 240 165 105 - -

(Sheathing Grades, C-C, 24/16 7/16 540 305 210 135 - -
C-D, C-C Plugged, OSB) 32/16 15/32 625 355 245 155 90 -
40/20 19/32 955 595 415 265 150 -
48/24 23/32 1160 805 560 360 200 90

Wood Structural Panels 16 o.c. 19/32 705 395 275 175 100 -
(Single Floor Grades, 20 o.c. 19/32 815 455 320 205 115 -
Underlayment, C-C Plugged) 24 o.c. 23/32 1085 610 425 270 150 -
32 o.c. 7/8 1395 830 575 370 205 90
48 o.c. 1-1/8 1790 1295 1060 680 380 170

1. Nominal capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with Section 3.2.3 to determine ASD uniform load capacity and LRFD uniform resistances.
2. Wood structural panels shall conform to the requirements for its type in DOC PS 1 or PS 2.
3. 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

4. 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.

Connections resisting induced wind and seismic

forces shall be designed in accordance with the meth-
ods referenced in [Link] for allowable stress design
(ASD) and [Link] for strength design (LRFD).
4.1 General 12
4.2 Wood-Frame Diaphragms 13
4.3 Wood-Frame Shear Walls 22
4.4 Wood Structural Panels Designed
to Resist Combined Shear and Uplift
from Wind 35
Table 4.2.4 Maximum Diaphragm Aspect Ratios ........... 14
Tables 4.2A-D Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for
Wood-Frame Diaphragms .................... 18 – 21
Table [Link] Unblocked Shear Wall Adjustment
Factor, Cub ...................................................... 23
Table [Link] Shear Capacity Adjustment Factor, Co ........ 24
Table 4.3.4 Maximum Shear Wall Aspect Ratios............ 25
Tables 4.3A-D Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for
Wood-Frame Shear Walls ..................... 31 – 34
Table 4.4.1 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 7/16" Wood
Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding–
Combined Shear and Uplift .......................... 39
Table 4.4.2 Nominal Uplift Capacity of 3/8" Wood
Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding–
Uplift Only ...................................................... 39
 The proportioning, design, and detailing of engi-
neered wood systems, members, and connections in
lateral force-resisting systems shall be in accordance
with the reference documents in 2.1.2 and provisions in
this chapter. A continuous load path, or paths, with Wood-frame shear walls, wood-frame diaphragms,
adequate strength and stiffness shall be provided to trusses, and other wood members and systems shall not
transfer all forces from the point of application to the be used to resist seismic forces contributed by masonry
final point of resistance. or concrete walls in structures over one story in height.

1. Wood floor and roof members shall be permit-

ted to be used in diaphragms and horizontal
Nominal shear capacities of diaphragms and shear trusses to resist horizontal seismic forces con-
walls are provided for reference assemblies in Tables tributed by masonry or concrete walls provided
4.2A, 4.2B, 4.2C, and 4.2D and Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, such forces do not result in torsional force dis-
4.3C, and 4.3D, respectively. Alternatively, shear ca- tribution through the diaphragm or truss.
pacity of diaphragms and shear walls shall be permitted 2. Vertical wood structural panel sheathed shear
to be calculated by principles of mechanics using val- walls shall be permitted to be used to provide
ues of fastener strength and sheathing shear capacity. resistance to seismic forces contributed by ma-
sonry or concrete walls in two-story structures,
provided the following requirements are met:
a. Story-to-story wall heights shall not exceed
Deformation of connections within and between 12'.
structural elements shall be considered in design such b. Diaphragms shall not be considered to
that the deformation of each element and connection transmit lateral forces by torsional force
comprising the lateral force-resisting system is com- distribution or cantilever past the outermost
patible with the deformations of the other lateral force- supporting shear wall.
resisting elements and connections and with the overall c. Combined deflections of diaphragms and
system. shear walls shall not permit design story drift
of supported masonry or concrete walls to
exceed the allowable story drift in accor-
dance with Section 12.12.1 of ASCE 7.
d. Wood structural panel diaphragms shall be
Shear wall and diaphragm boundary elements shall blocked diaphragms.
be provided to transfer the design tension and compres- e. Wood structural panel shear walls shall be
sion forces. Diaphragm and shear wall sheathing shall blocked shear walls and, for the lower
not be used to splice boundary elements. Diaphragm story, the sheathing shall have a minimum
chords and collectors shall be placed in, or in contact thickness of 15/32".
with, the plane of the diaphragm framing unless it can f. There shall be no out-of-plane horizontal
be demonstrated that the moments, shears, and deflec- offsets between the first and second stories
tions, considering eccentricities resulting from other of wood structural panel shear walls.
configurations, can be tolerated without exceeding the
framing capacity and drift limits.
 In seismic design categories D, E, and F, the capac-
ity 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
Wood members and systems shall be designed to ASD and 205 pounds per lineal foot for LRFD from
resist seismic forces from other concrete, or masonry diaphragms to shear walls, collectors, or other ele-
components, including but not limited to: chimneys, ments, or from shear walls to other elements.
fireplaces, concrete or masonry veneers, and concrete
floors.

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 calcula-
tions, tests, or analogies drawn therefrom, does not ex-
ceed the maximum permissible deflection limit of at-
tached 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 build-
ing code or standard. Framing members, blocking, and
connections shall extend into the diaphragm a sufficient
distance to develop the force transferred into the dia-
phragm.

Alternatively, for wood structural panel dia-

phragms, deflection shall be permitted to be calculated
Calculations of diaphragm deflection shall account using a rational analysis where apparent shear stiffness
for bending and shear deflections, fastener deformation, accounts for panel shear deformation and non-linear
chord splice slip, and other contributing sources of de- nail slip in the sheathing-to-framing connection.
flection.
The diaphragm deflection, dia, shall be permitted to
be calculated by use of the following equation:
Tabulated nominal unit shear capacities for seismic
(4.2-1) 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 ap-
plicable footnotes, by the ASD reduction factor of 2.0.
The LRFD factored unit resistance shall be determined
by multiplying the tabulated nominal unit shear capac-
ity, modified by applicable footnotes, by a resistance
factor, D, of 0.80. No further increases shall be per- length, L, shall be permitted to be increased to
mitted. an L/W ratio not greater than 1.5:1 when
sheathed in conformance with [Link] or not
greater than 1:1 when sheathed in confor-
mance with [Link] or [Link].
Size and shape of diaphragms shall be limited to
[Link].1 Open Front Structures: Open front struc-
the aspect ratios in Table 4.2.4.
tures utilizing wood-frame rigid diaphragms to distrib-
ute shear forces through torsion shall be permitted pro-
vided:
1. The diaphragm length, L, (normal to the open
(Horizontal or Sloped Diaphragms)
side) does not exceed 25'.
2. The L/W ratio of the diaphragm (as shown in
Figure 4A) is less than or equal to 1:1 for one-
Wood structural panel, unblocked 3:1 story structures or 0.67:1 for structures over
Wood structural panel, blocked 4:1 one story in height.
Single-layer straight lumber sheathing 2:1
Single-layer diagonal lumber sheathing 3:1 Where calculations show that dia-
Double-layer diagonal lumber sheathing 4:1 phragm deflections can be tolerated, the length,
L, (normal to the open side) shall be permitted to
be increased to an L/W ratio not greater than
1.5:1 when sheathed in conformance with
[Link] or [Link], or not greater than 1:1 when
sheathed in conformance with [Link].
Diaphragms shall be defined as rigid or flexible for
the purposes of distributing shear loads and designing
for torsional moments. When a diaphragm is defined as
flexible, the diaphragm shear forces shall be distributed
to the vertical resisting elements based on tributary
area. When a diaphragm is defined as rigid, the dia-
phragm shear forces shall be distributed based on the
relative lateral stiffnesses of the vertical-resisting ele-
ments of the story below.
[Link] Torsional Irregularity: Structures with rigid
wood-frame diaphragms shall be considered as torsion-
ally irregular when the maximum story drift, computed
including accidental torsion, at one end of the structure [Link] Cantilevered Diaphragms: Rigid wood-
is more than 1.2 times the average of the story drifts at frame diaphragms shall be permitted to cantilever past
the two ends of the structure. Where torsional irregular- the outermost supporting shear wall (or other vertical
ity exists, diaphragms shall meet the following re- resisting element) a distance, Lc, of not more than 25' or
quirements: 2/3 of the diaphragm width, W, whichever is smaller.
1. The diaphragm conforms to [Link], [Link], or Figure 4B illustrates the dimensions of Lc and W for a
[Link]. cantilevered diaphragm.
2. The L/W ratio of the diaphragm is not greater
than 1:1 for one-story structures or not greater
than 0.67:1 for structures over one story in
height.

Where calculations show that dia-

phragm deflections can be tolerated, the
 Wood structural panel sheathing in a
diaphragm is permitted to be fastened over solid
lumber planking or laminated decking provided
the following requirements are met:
1. Panel edges do not coincide with joints in the
lumber planking or laminated decking.
2. Adjacent panel edges parallel to the planks or
decking are fastened to a common member.
3. The planking or decking shall be of sufficient
thickness to satisfy minimum fastener penetra-
tion in framing members and blocking as re-
quired in Table 4.2A.
4. Diaphragm aspect ratio (L/W) does not exceed
that for a blocked wood structural panel dia-
phragm (4:1).
5. Diaphragm forces are transferred from wood
structural panel sheathing to diaphragm bound-
[Link] Framing Requirements: Diaphragm bound-
ary elements through planking or decking or by
ary elements shall be provided to transmit the design
other methods.
tension, compression, and shear forces. Diaphragm
sheathing shall not be used to splice boundary ele- [Link].1 Blocked Diaphragms: Where diaphragms
ments. Diaphragm chords and collectors shall be placed are designated as blocked, all joints in sheathing shall
in, or in contact with, the plane of the diaphragm fram- occur over and be fastened to common framing mem-
ing unless it can be demonstrated that the moments, bers or common blocking. The size and spacing of fas-
shears, and deflections, considering eccentricities re- teners at wood-frame diaphragm boundaries and panel
sulting from other configurations, can be tolerated edges shall be as prescribed in Table 4.2A. The dia-
without exceeding the framing capacity and drift limits. phragm shall be constructed as follows:
[Link] Sheathing: Diaphragms shall be sheathed 1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8' except at
with approved materials. Details on sheathing types and boundaries and changes in framing where
thicknesses for commonly used floor, roof, and ceiling minimum panel dimension shall be 24" unless
diaphragm assemblies are provided in 4.2.7 and Tables all edges of the undersized panels are supported
4.2A, 4.2B, 4.2C, and 4.2D. by and fastened to framing members or block-
ing.
[Link] Fasteners: Sheathing shall be attached to 2. Nails shall be located at least 3/8" from the
framing members using nails or other approved fasten- edges of panels. Maximum nail spacing at
ers alone, or in combination with adhesives. Nails shall panel edges shall be 6" on center. Nails along
be driven with the head of the nail flush with the sur- intermediate framing members and blocking
face of the sheathing. Other approved fasteners shall be for panels shall be the same size as installed at
driven as required for proper installation of that fas- the panel edges. Maximum nail spacing shall
tener. be 6" on center when support spacing of 48" on
center is specified and 12" on center for closer
support spacings.
3. The width of the nailed face of framing mem-
[Link] Wood Structural Panel Diaphragms: Dia- bers and blocking shall be 2" nominal or
phragms sheathed with wood structural panel sheathing greater at adjoining panel edges except that a
shall be permitted to be used to resist seismic and wind 3" nominal or greater width at adjoining panel
forces. Wood structural panel sheathing used for dia- edges and staggered nailing at all panel edges
phragms that are part of the lateral force-resisting sys- are required where:
a. Nail spacing of 2-1/2" on center or less at
tem shall be applied directly to the framing members
adjoining panel edges is specified, or
and blocking.
b. 10d common nails having penetration in-
 to framing members and blocking of of fasteners at wood-frame diaphragm boundaries and
more than 1-1/2" are specified at 3" on panel edges shall be as prescribed in Table 4.2C.
center or less at adjoining panel edges.
4. Wood structural panels shall conform to the [Link] Diaphragms Diagonally Sheathed with Sin-
requirements for their type in DOC PS1 or PS2. gle-Layer of Lumber: Single diagonally sheathed lum-
ber diaphragms shall be permitted to be used to resist
[Link].2 High Load Blocked Diaphragms: All seismic and wind forces. Single diagonally sheathed
joints in sheathing shall occur over and be fastened to lumber diaphragms shall be constructed of minimum 1"
common framing members or common blocking. The thick nominal sheathing boards or 2" thick nominal
size and spacing of fasteners at wood-frame diaphragm lumber laid at an angle of approximately 45 to the
boundaries and panel edges shall be as prescribed in supports. End joints in adjacent boards shall be sepa-
Table 4.2B and Figure 4C. The diaphragms shall be rated by at least one joist space and there shall be at
constructed as follows: least two boards between joints on the same support.
1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8' except at Nailing of diagonally sheathed lumber diaphragms shall
boundaries and changes in framing where be in accordance with Table 4.2D. Single diagonally
minimum panel dimension shall be 24" unless sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be permitted to con-
all edges of the undersized panels are supported sist of 2" nominal lumber (1-½" thick) where the sup-
by and fastened to framing members or block- ports are not less than 3" nominal (2-½" thick) in width
ing. or 4" nominal (3-½" deep) in depth
2. Nails shall be located at least 3/8" from panel
edges but not less than distances shown in Fig- [Link] Diaphragms Diagonally Sheathed with
ure 4C. Maximum nail spacing at panel edges Double-Layer of Lumber: Double diagonally sheathed
shall be 6" on center. Nails along intermediate lumber diaphragms shall be permitted to be used to re-
framing members for panels shall be the same sist seismic and wind forces. Double diagonally
size as installed at the panel edges. Maximum sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be constructed of
nail spacing shall be 6" on center when support two layers of diagonal sheathing boards laid perpen-
spacing of greater than 32" on center is speci- dicular to each other on the same face of the supporting
fied. Maximum nail spacing shall be 12" on members. Each chord shall be considered as a beam
center for specified support spacing of 32" on with uniform load per foot equal to 50% of the unit
center or less. shear due to diaphragm action. The load shall be as-
3. In diaphragm boundary members, lines of fas- sumed as acting normal to the chord in the plane of the
teners shall be equally spaced and fasteners diaphragm in either direction. Nailing of diagonally
within each line shall be staggered where spac- sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be in accordance
ing is 3" on center or less. with Table 4.2D
4. The width of the nailed face of framing mem-
bers and blocking shall be 3" nominal or [Link] Diaphragms Horizontally Sheathed with
greater. The width of the nailed face not lo- Single-Layer of Lumber: Horizontally sheathed lumber
cated at boundaries or adjoining panel edges diaphragms shall be permitted to be used to resist seis-
shall be 2" nominal or greater. mic and wind forces. Horizontally sheathed lumber
5. Wood structural panels shall conform to the re- diaphragms shall be constructed of minimum 1" thick
quirements for their type in DOC PS1 or PS2. nominal sheathing boards or minimum 2" thick nominal
lumber laid perpendicular to the supports. End joints in
[Link].3 Unblocked Diaphragms: Where dia- adjacent boards shall be separated by at least one joist
phragms are designated as unblocked, the diaphragms space and there shall be at least two boards between
shall be constructed as specified in [Link].1, except joints on the same support. Nailing of horizontally
that blocking between supporting structural members at sheathed lumber diaphragms shall be in accordance
panel edges shall not be required. The size and spacing with Table 4.2D.
1. Nominal unit shear capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.2.3 to determine
ASD allowable unit shear capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance. For general

structural panel diaphragms. See Appendix A for common nail dimensions.

reduced nominal unit shear capacities shall be determined by multiplying the

NDS (Table

for diaphragms constructed with either OSB or 3-ply plywood panels. When 4-ply
a
to be increased by 1.2.

a
1. Nominal unit shear capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.2.3 to determine
ASD allowable unit shear capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance. For general

structural panel diaphragms. See Appendix A for common nail dimensions.

reduced nominal unit shear capacities shall be determined by multiplying the

NDS (Table

for diaphragms constructed with either OSB or 3-ply plywood panels. When 4-ply
a
to be increased by 1.2.

a
1. Nominal unit shear capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.2.3 to determine ASD allowable unit shear capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance. For general construction requirements see 4.2.6.

NDS
a

a
a
 A B
Sheathing Type, Size, and Number of Nails per Board SEISMIC WIND
Sheathing Material Nominal Nailing at Intermediate and End Bearing Supports Nailing at Boundary Members vs Ga vw
Dimensions (Nails/board/support) (Nails/board/end) (plf) (kips/in) (plf)
Horizontal 1x6 2-8d common nails (3-8d box nails) 3-8d common nails (5-8d box nails)
Lumber 1x8 3-8d common nails (4-8d box nails) 4-8d common nails (6-8d box nails)
100 1.5 140
Sheathing 2x6 2-16d common nails (3-16d box nails) 3-16d common nails (5-16d box nails)
2x8 3-16d common nails (4-16d box nails) 4-16d common nails (6-16d box nails)
Diagonal 1x6 2-8d common nails (3-8d box nails) 3-8d common nails (5-8d box nails)
Lumber 1x8 3-8d common nails (4-8d box nails) 4-8d common nails (6-8d box nails)
600 6.0 840
Sheathing 2x6 2-16d common nails (3-16d box nails) 3-16d common nails (5-16d box nails)
2x8 3-16d common nails (4-16d box nails) 4-16d common nails (6-16d box nails)
Double 1x6 2-8d common nails (3-8d box nails) 3-8d common nails (5-8d box nails)
Diagonal 1x8 3-8d common nails (4-8d box nails) 4-8d common nails (6-8d box nails)
1200 9.5 1680
Lumber 2x6 2-16d common nails (3-16d box nails) 3-16d common nails (5-16d box nails)
Sheathing 2x8 3-16d common nails (4-16d box nails) 4-16d common nails (6-16d box nails)

1. Nominal unit shear capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.2.3 to determine ASD allowable unit shear capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance. For general construction requirements see 4.2.6. For

horizontally sheathed with a single-layer of lumber. See Appendix A for common and box nail dimensions.
 Wood-frame shear walls shall be permitted to re- Alternatively, for wood structural panel shear
sist lateral forces provided the deflection of the shear walls, deflection shall be permitted to be calculated
wall, as determined by calculations, tests, or analogies using a rational analysis where apparent shear stiffness
drawn therefrom, does not exceed the maximum per- accounts for panel shear deformation and non-linear
missible deflection limit. Permissible deflection shall nail slip in the sheathing to framing connection.
be that deflection that permits the shear wall and any
attached elements to maintain their structural integrity [Link] Deflection of Perforated Shear Walls: The
and continue to support their prescribed loads as de- deflection of a perforated shear wall shall be calcu-
termined by the applicable building code or standard. lated in accordance with 4.3.2, where in equation
Framing members, blocking, and connections shall 4.3-1 is equal to max obtained in equation 4.3-9 and b
extend into the shear wall a sufficient distance to de- is taken as Li.
velop the force transferred into the shear wall. [Link] 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
Calculations of shear wall deflection shall account for 24" stud spacing and nails spaced at 6" on center at
bending and shear deflections, fastener deformation, an- panel edges and 12" on center at intermediate framing
chorage slip, and other contributing sources of deflection. members. The induced unit shear, , in pounds per
The shear wall deflection, sw, shall be permitted foot used in Equation 4.3-1 shall be divided by Cub,
to be calculated by use of the following equation: from Table [Link].

(4.3-1)
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, D, of
0.80. No further increases shall be permitted.
[Link] Tabulated Nominal Unit Shear Capacities:
Tabulated nominal unit shear capacities for seismic
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.
[Link] Unblocked Wood Structural Panel Shear
Walls: Wood structural panel shear walls shall be per-
mitted to be unblocked provided nails are installed into
framing in accordance with Table [Link] and the
strength is calculated in accordance with Equation 4.3-
2. Unblocked shear wall height shall not exceed 16
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, ub, shall be calcu-
lated using the following equation:
= (4.3-2)

[Link].2 Nominal unit shear capacities for shear

walls sheathed with dissimilar materials on the same
side of the wall are not cumulative. For shear walls
sheathed with dissimilar materials on opposite sides,
12 16 20 24 the combined nominal unit shear capacity, sc or wc,
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 capac-
6 12 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4 ity, whichever is greater.

[Link] Summing Shear Capacities: For shear For wind design, the combined
walls sheathed with the same construction and materi- nominal unit shear capacity, wc, of shear
als on opposite sides of the same wall, the combined walls sheathed with a combination of wood
nominal unit shear capacity, sc or wc, shall be permit- structural panels, hardboard panel siding, or
ted to be taken as twice the nominal unit shear capac- structural fiberboard on one side and gypsum
ity for an equivalent shear wall sheathed on one side. wallboard on the opposite side shall equal the
sum of the sheathing capacities of each side.
[Link].1 For seismic design of shear walls
sheathed with the same construction and materials on [Link] Summing Shear Wall Lines: The nominal
opposite sides of a shear wall, the shear wall deflection shear capacity for shear walls in a line, utilizing shear
shall be calculated using the combined apparent shear walls sheathed with the same materials and construc-
wall shear stiffness, Gac and the combined nominal tion, shall be permitted to be combined if the induced
unit shear capacity, sc, using the following equations: shear load is distributed so as to provide the same de-
flection, sw, in each shear wall. Summing nominal
(4.3-3) unit shear capacities of dissimilar materials applied to
(4.3-4) the same wall line is not allowed.
 [Link] Shear Capacity of Perforated Shear Walls:
The nominal shear capacity of a perforated shear wall
shall be taken as the tabulated nominal unit shear ca-
pacity multiplied by the sum of the shear wall segment
lengths, Li, and the appropriate shear capacity ad-
justment factor, Co, from Table [Link] or calculated
using the following equation:

(4.3-5)

(4.3-6)
Size and shape of shear walls shall be limited to
the aspect ratios in Table 4.3.4.
[Link] Aspect Ratio of Perforated Shear Wall
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 4D. Por-
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 to resist seismic
forces, the nominal shear capacity of the perforated
shear wall shall be multiplied by 2bs/h when the aspect
ratio of the narrowest perforated shear wall segment
included in the sum of shear wall segment lengths,
Li, is greater than 2:1, but does not exceed 3.5:1.

1
Maximum Opening Height
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"
2
Percent Full-Height Sheathing Effective Shear Capacity Ratio
10% 1.00 0.69 0.53 0.43 0.36
20% 1.00 0.71 0.56 0.45 0.38
30% 1.00 0.74 0.59 0.49 0.42
40% 1.00 0.77 0.63 0.53 0.45
50% 1.00 0.80 0.67 0.57 0.50
60% 1.00 0.83 0.71 0.63 0.56
70% 1.00 0.87 0.77 0.69 0.63
80% 1.00 0.91 0.83 0.77 0.71
90% 1.00 0.95 0.91 0.87 0.83
100% 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 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 wall segment lengths, Li, divided by the total length of the perforated shear wall.
Wood structural panels, unblocked 2:1
Wood structural panels, blocked 3.5:11
Particleboard, blocked 2:1
Diagonal sheathing, conventional 2:1
Gypsum wallboard 2:12
Portland cement plaster 2:12
Structural Fiberboard 3.5:13
1 For design to resist seismic forces, the shear wall aspect ratio shall not
exceed 2:1 unless the nominal unit shear capacity is multiplied by 2bs/h.
2 Walls having aspect ratios exceeding 1.5:1 shall be blocked shear walls.
3 For design to resist seismic forces, the shear wall aspect ratio shall not
exceed 1:1 unless the nominal unit shear capacity is multiplied by the
Aspect Ratio Factor (Seismic) = 0.1+0.9bs/h. The value of the Aspect
Ratio Factor (Seismic) shall not be greater than 1.0. For design to resist
wind forces, the shear wall aspect ratio shall not exceed 1:1 unless the
nominal unit shear capacity is multiplied by the Aspect Ratio Factor
(Wind) = 1.09-0.09h/bs. The value of the Aspect Ratio Factor (Wind)
shall not be greater than 1.0.

[Link] 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 de- bs is the minimum shear wall segment length,
fined as the clear height of the pier at the side of the b, in the perforated shear wall.
opening. The height of a wall pier with an opening on
each side shall be defined as the larger of the clear [Link] Individual Full-Height Wall Segments:
heights of the pier at the sides of the openings. The Where individual full-height wall segments are de-
length of a wall pier shall be defined as the sheathed signed as shear walls without openings, the aspect ra-
length of the pier. Wall piers with aspect ratios ex- tio limitations of 4.3.4 shall apply to each full-height
ceeding 3.5:1 shall not be considered as portions of wall segment as illustrated in Figure 4E. The follow-
force-transfer shear walls. ing limitations shall apply:
1. Openings shall be permitted to occur beyond
the ends of a shear wall. The length of such
openings shall not be included in the length of
the shear wall.
Where individual full-height wall segments are 2. Where out-of-plane offsets occur, portions of
designed as shear walls, the provisions of [Link] shall the wall on each side of the offset shall be
apply. For shear walls with openings, where framing considered as separate shear wall lines.
members, blocking, and connections around the open- 3. Collectors for shear transfer shall be provided
ings are designed for force transfer around the open- through the full length of the shear wall line.
ings (force-transfer shear walls) the provisions of
[Link] 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 pro-
visions of [Link] shall apply or individual full-height
wall segments shall be designed per [Link]
 [Link] Force-transfer Shear Walls: Where shear
[Link] Perforated Shear Walls: Where wood
walls with openings are designed for force transfer
structural panel shear walls with openings are not de-
around the openings, the aspect ratio limitations of
signed for force transfer around the openings, they
[Link] shall apply as illustrated in Figure 4F. Design
shall be designed as perforated shear walls. The fol-
for force transfer shall be based on a rational analysis.
lowing limitations shall apply:
The following limitations shall apply: 1. A perforated shear wall segment shall be lo-
1. The length of each wall pier shall not be less
cated at each end of a perforated shear wall.
than 2'. Openings shall be permitted to occur beyond
2. A full-height wall segment shall be located at the ends of the perforated shear wall, provided
each end of a force-transfer shear wall.
the lengths of such openings are not included
3. Where out-of-plane offsets occur, portions of in the length of the perforated shear wall.
the wall on each side of the offset shall be 2. The aspect ratio limitations of Section [Link]
considered as separate force-transfer shear shall apply.
walls.
3. The nominal unit shear capacity for a single-
4. Collectors for shear transfer shall be provided sided wall shall not exceed 1,740 plf for seis-
through the full length of the force-transfer mic or 2,435 plf for wind as given in Table
shear wall. 4.3A. The nominal unit shear capacity for a
double-sided wall shall not exceed 2,435 plf
for wind.
4. Where out-of-plane offsets 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 be provided
through the full length of the perforated shear
wall.
6. A perforated shear wall shall have uniform
top-of-wall and bottom-of-wall elevations.
Perforated shear walls not having uniform ele-
vations shall be designed by other methods.
7. Perforated shear wall height, h, shall not ex-
ceed 20'

[Link] Sheathing: Shear walls shall be sheathed

with approved materials attached directly to the fram-
[Link] Framing Requirements: All framing mem- ing members, and blocking where required, except as
bers and blocking used for shear wall construction permitted in [Link]. Details on sheathing types and
shall be 2" nominal or greater. Where shear walls are thicknesses for commonly used shear wall assemblies
designed as blocked, all joints in sheathing shall occur are provided in 4.3.7 and Tables 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C, and
over and be fastened to common framing members or 4.3D.
common blocking. Shear wall boundary elements, [Link] Fasteners: Sheathing shall be attached to
such as end posts, shall be provided to transmit the framing members using nails or other approved fas-
design tension and compression forces. Shear wall teners. Nails shall be driven with the head of the nail
sheathing shall not be used to splice boundary ele- flush with the surface of the sheathing. Other approved
ments. End posts (studs or columns) shall be framed to fasteners shall be driven as required for proper instal-
provide full end bearing. lation of that fastener. See Appendix A for common,
[Link].1 Tension and Compression Chords: Ten- box, and sinker nail dimensions.
sion force, T, and a compression force, C, resulting
[Link].1 Adhesives: Adhesive attachment of shear
from shear wall overturning forces at each story level
wall sheathing shall not be used alone, or in combina-
shall be calculated in accordance with the following:
tion with mechanical fasteners.
(4.3-7)
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 0 = 2.5,
unless other values are approved.

[Link] 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
[Link].2 Tension and Compression Chords of Per-
calculated using principles of mechanics.
forated Shear Walls: Each end of each perforated shear
wall shall be designed for a tension force, T, and a [Link].1 Anchorage for In-plane Shear: Connec-
compression force, C. Each end of each perforated tions shall be provided to transfer the induced unit
shear wall segment shall be designed for a compres- shear force, , into and out of each shear wall.
sion force, C, in each segment. For perforated shear
[Link].1.1 In-plane Shear Anchorage for Perfo-
walls, the values for T and C resulting from shear wall
rated Shear Walls: The maximum induced unit shear
overturning at each story level shall be calculated in
force, max, transmitted into the top of a perforated
accordance with the following:
shear wall, out of the base of the perforated shear wall
at full height sheathing, and into collectors connecting
(4.3-8)
shear wall segments, shall be calculated in accordance
with the following:
 (4.3-9)

[Link] Wood Structural Panel Shear Walls: Shear

[Link].2 Uplift Anchorage at Shear Wall Ends:
walls sheathed with wood structural panel sheathing
Where the dead load stabilizing moment is not suffi-
shall be permitted to be used to resist seismic and wind
cient to prevent uplift due to overturning moments on
forces. The size and spacing of fasteners at shear wall
the wall (from [Link].1 or [Link].2), an anchoring
boundaries and panel edges shall be as provided in
device shall be provided at the end of each shear wall.
Table 4.3A. The shear wall shall be constructed as fol-
[Link].2.1 Uplift Anchorage for Perforated Shear lows:
Walls: In addition to the requirements of [Link].2, 1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8', except at
perforated shear wall bottom plates at full height boundaries and changes in framing. All edges
sheathing shall be anchored for a uniform uplift force, of all panels shall be supported by and fas-
t, equal to the unit shear force, max, determined in tened to framing members or blocking.
[Link].1.1, or calculated by rational analysis.
Horizontal blocking shall be
[Link].3 Anchor Bolts: Foundation anchor bolts permitted to be omitted, provided that the
shall have a steel plate washer under each nut not less shear wall is designed in accordance with
than 0.229"x3"x3" in size. The hole in the plate all of the following:
washer shall be permitted to be diagonally slotted with a. The deflection of the unblocked wood
a width of up to 3/16" larger than the bolt diameter and structural panel shear wall shall be permit-
a slot length not to exceed 1-3/4", provided a standard ted to be calculated in accordance with
cut washer (see Appendix A) is placed between the Section [Link].
plate washer and the nut. The plate washer shall ex- b. The strength of the unblocked wood struc-
tend to within 1/2" of the edge of the bottom plate on tural panel shear wall is determined in ac-
the side(s) with sheathing or other material with nomi- cordance with Section [Link], and
nal unit shear capacity greater than 400 plf for wind or c. Specified nail spacing at supported edges
seismic. is no closer than 6" o.c.

Standard cut washers shall be 2. Nails shall be located at least 3/8" from the
permitted to be used where anchor bolts are panel edges. Maximum nail spacing at panel
designed to resist shear only and the follow- edges shall be 6" on center.
ing requirements are met: 3. Nails along intermediate framing members
a. The shear wall is designed in accordance with shall be the same size as nails specified for
provisions of [Link] with required uplift an- panel edge nailing. At intermediate framing
chorage at shear wall ends sized to resist over- members, the maximum nail spacing shall be
turning neglecting dead load stabilizing mo- 6" on center.
ment.
b. Shear wall aspect ratio, h:b, does not exceed Where panels are thicker
2:1. than 7/16" or studs are spaced less than
c. The nominal unit shear capacity of the shear 24" on center, the maximum nail spacing
wall does not exceed 980 plf for seismic or shall be 12" on center.
1370 plf for wind.
4. The width of the nailed face of framing mem-
[Link].4 Load Path: A load path to the foundation bers and blocking shall be 2" nominal or
shall be provided for uplift, shear, and compression greater at adjoining panel edges except that a
forces. Elements resisting shear wall forces contrib- 3" nominal or greater width at adjoining panel
uted by multiple stories shall be designed for the sum edges and staggered nailing at all panel edges
of forces contributed by each story. are required where:
a. Nail spacing of 2" on center or less at ad-
joining panel edges is specified, or
b. 10d common nails having penetration into
 framing members and blocking of more
than 1-1/2" are specified at 3" on center, Where panels are thicker
or less at adjoining panel edges, or than 3/8" or studs are spaced less than
c. Required nominal unit shear capacity on 24" on center, the maximum nail spacing
either side of the shear wall exceeds 700 shall be 12" on center.
plf in Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
4. The width of the nailed face of framing mem-
Where the width of the nailed bers and blocking shall be 2" nominal or
face of framing members is required to be 3" greater at adjoining panel edges except that a
nominal, two framing members that are 2" in 3" nominal or greater width at adjoining panel
nominal thickness shall be permitted to be edges and staggered nailing at all panel edges
used provided they are fastened together with are required where:
fasteners designed in accordance with the a. Nail spacing of 2" on center or less at ad-
NDS to transfer the induced shear between joining panel edges is specified, or
members. When fasteners connecting the two b. 10d common nails having penetration into
framing members are spaced less than 4" on framing members and blocking of more
center, they shall be staggered. than 1-1/2" are specified at 3" on center,
or less at adjoining panel edges.
5. Maximum stud spacing shall be 24" on center. 5. Maximum stud spacing shall be 24" on center.
6. Wood structural panels shall conform to the 6. Particleboard shall conform to ANSI A208.1.
requirements for its type in DOC PS 1 or PS 2.
[Link] Structural Fiberboard Shear Walls: Shear
[Link] Shear Walls using Wood Structural Panels walls sheathed with fiberboard sheathing shall be per-
over Gypsum Wallboard or Gypsum Sheathing Board: mitted to be used to resist wind forces and seismic
Shear walls sheathed with wood structural panel forces in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C. The
sheathing over gypsum wallboard or gypsum sheath- size and spacing of fasteners at shear wall boundaries
ing board shall be permitted to be used to resist seis- and panel edges shall be as provided in Table 4.3A.
mic and wind forces. The size and spacing of fasteners The shear wall shall be constructed as follows:
at shear wall boundaries and panel edges shall be as 1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8', except at
provided in Table 4.3B. The shear wall shall be con- boundaries and changes in framing. All edges
structed in accordance with Section [Link]. of all panels shall be supported by and fas-
tened to framing members or blocking.
[Link] Particleboard Shear Walls: Shear walls 2. Nails shall be located at least 3/4" from edges
sheathed with particleboard sheathing shall be permit- of panels at top and bottom plates and at least
ted to be used to resist wind forces and seismic forces 3/8" from all other edges of panels. Maximum
in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C. The size nail spacing at panel edges shall be 4" on cen-
and spacing of fasteners at shear wall boundaries and ter.
panel edges shall be as provided in Table 4.3A. The 3. Nails along intermediate framing members
shear wall shall be constructed as follows: and blocking shall be the same size as in-
1. Panels shall not be less than 4' x 8', except at stalled at the panel edges. Maximum nail spac-
boundaries and changes in framing. All edges ing shall be 6" on center.
of all panels shall be supported by and fas- 4. The width of the nailed face of framing mem-
tened to framing members or blocking. bers and blocking shall be 2" nominal or
2. Nails shall be located at least 3/8" from the greater at adjoining panel edges.
panel edges. Maximum nail spacing at panel 5. Maximum stud spacing shall be 16" on center.
edges shall be 6" on center. 6. Fiberboard sheathing shall conform to ASTM
3. Nails along intermediate framing members C 208.
shall be the same size as nails specified for
panel edge nailing. At intermediate framing [Link] Gypsum Wallboard, Gypsum Base for Ve-
members, the maximum nail spacing shall be neer Plaster, Water-Resistant Gypsum Backing Board,
6" on center. Gypsum Sheathing Board, Gypsum Lath and Plaster,
or Portland Cement Plaster Shear Walls: Shear walls C 1063. Metal lath and lath attachments shall be of
sheathed with gypsum wallboard, gypsum base for corrosion-resistant material.
veneer plaster, water-resistant gypsum backing board, [Link] Shear Walls Diagonally Sheathed with
gypsum sheathing board, gypsum lath and plaster, or Single-Layer of Lumber: Single diagonally sheathed
portland cement plaster shall be permitted to be used lumber shear walls shall be permitted to be used to
to resist wind forces and seismic forces in Seismic De- resist wind forces and seismic forces in Seismic De-
sign Categories A, B, C, and D. End joints of adjacent sign Categories A, B, C, and D. Single diagonally
courses of gypsum wallboard or sheathing shall not sheathed lumber shear walls shall be constructed of
occur over the same stud. The size and spacing of fas- minimum 1" thick nominal sheathing boards laid at an
teners at shear wall boundaries, panel edges, and in- angle of approximately 45 to the supports. End joints
termediate supports shall be as provided in Table 4.3C. in adjacent boards shall be separated by at least one
Nails shall be located at least 3/8" from the edges and stud space and there shall be at least two boards be-
ends of panels. The width of the nailed face of fram- tween joints on the same support. Nailing of diago-
ing members and blocking shall be 2" nominal or nally sheathed lumber shear walls shall be in accor-
greater. dance with Table 4.3D.
[Link].1 Gypsum Wallboard, Gypsum Base for [Link] Shear Walls Diagonally Sheathed with
Veneer Plaster, Water-Resistant Gypsum Backing Double-Layer of Lumber: Double diagonally sheathed
Board: Gypsum wallboard, gypsum base for veneer lumber shear walls shall be permitted to be used to
plaster, or water resistant gypsum backing board shall resist wind forces and seismic forces in Seismic De-
be applied parallel or perpendicular to studs. Gypsum sign Categories A, B, C, and D. Double diagonally
wallboard shall conform to ASTM C 1396 and shall be sheathed lumber shear walls shall be constructed of
installed in accordance with ASTM C 840. Gypsum two layers of 1" thick nominal diagonal sheathing
base for veneer plaster shall conform to ASTM C 1396 boards laid perpendicular to each other on the same
and shall be installed in accordance with ASTM C face of the supporting members. Nailing of diagonally
844. Water-resistant gypsum backing board shall con- sheathed lumber shear walls shall be in accordance
form to ASTM C 1396 and shall be installed in accor- with Table 4.3D.
dance with ASTM C 840.
[Link] Shear Walls Horizontally Sheathed with
[Link].2 Gypsum Sheathing Board: Four-foot- Single-Layer of Lumber: Horizontally sheathed lum-
wide pieces of gypsum sheathing board shall be ap- ber shear walls shall be permitted to be used to resist
plied parallel or perpendicular to studs. Two-foot-wide wind forces and seismic forces in Seismic Design
pieces of gypsum sheathing board shall be applied Categories A, B, and C. Horizontally sheathed lumber
perpendicular to the studs. Gypsum sheathing board shear walls shall be constructed of minimum 1" thick
shall conform to ASTM C 1396 and shall be installed nominal sheathing boards applied perpendicular to the
in accordance with ASTM C 1280. supports. End joints in adjacent boards shall be sepa-
rated by at least one stud space and there shall be at
[Link].3 Gypsum Lath and Plaster: Gypsum lath
least two boards between joints on the same support.
shall be applied perpendicular to the studs. Gypsum
Nailing of horizontally sheathed lumber shear walls
lath shall conform to ASTM C 1396 and shall be in-
shall be in accordance with Table 4.3D.
stalled in accordance with ASTM C 841. Gypsum
plaster shall conform to the requirements of ASTM C [Link] Shear Walls Sheathed with Vertical Board
28. Siding: Vertical board siding shear walls shall be per-
mitted to be used to resist wind forces and seismic
[Link].4 Expanded Metal or Woven Wire Lath
forces in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C. Ver-
and Portland Cement: Expanded metal or woven wire
tical board siding shear walls shall be constructed of
lath and portland cement shall conform to ASTM C
minimum 1" thick nominal sheathing boards applied
847, ASTM C 1032, and ASTM C 150 and shall be
directly to studs and blocking. Nailing of vertical
installed in accordance with ASTM C 926 and ASTM
board siding shear walls shall be in accordance with
Table 4.3D.
 A B
Minimun SEISMIC WIND
Minimum Fastener Panel Edge Fastener
Nominal Penetration Fastener Panel Edge Fastener Spacing (in.)
Sheathing Spacing (in.)
Panel in Framing Type & Size
Material 6 4 3 2 6 4 3 2
Thickness Member or
(in.) vs Ga vs Ga vs Ga vs Ga vw vw vw vw
Blocking
(in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (plf) (plf) (plf)
Nail (common or
OSB PLY OSB PLY OSB PLY OSB PLY
galvanized box)

Nail (galvanized casing)

Nail (common or
galvanized box)

Nail (galvanized roofing)

across studs.

NDS
a
a

nailed face of framing members shall be 3" nominal or greater at adjoining panel edges and nails at all panel edges shall be staggered.
 A B
Minimum SEISMIC WIND
Minimum Panel Edge Fastener Spacing
Fastener Panel Edge Fastener Spacing (in.)
Nominal (in.)
Sheathing Penetration in
Panel Fastener Type & Size 6 4 3 2 6 4 3 2
Material Framing
Thickness vs Ga vs Ga vs Ga vs Ga vw vw vw vw
Member or
(in.)
Blocking (in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf) (plf) (plf) (plf)
Nail (common or
OSB PLY OSB PLY OSB PLY OSB PLY
galvanized box)
Wood Structural
Panels - 5/16 1-1/4 8d 400 13 10 600 18 13 780 23 16 1020 35 22 560 840 1090 1430
3,4
Structural I
3/8, 7/16,
1-3/8 10d 560 14 11 860 18 14 1100 24 17 1460 37 23 785 1205 1540 2045
15/32
5/16 360 13 9.5 540 18 12 700 24 14 900 37 18 505 755 980 1260
Wood Structural 1-1/4 8d
3/8 400 11 8.5 600 15 11 780 20 13 1020 32 17 560 840 1090 1430
Panels -
3,4 3/8, 7/16,
Sheathing 1-3/8 10d 520 13 10 760 19 13 980 25 15 1280 39 20 730 1065 1370 1790
15/32
Nail (galvanized casing)
Plywood Siding 5/16 1-1/4 8d (2-1/2" x0.113") 280 13 420 16 550 17 720 21 390 590 770 1010
3/8 1-3/8 10d (3"x0.128") 320 16 480 18 620 20 820 22 450 670 870 1150

1. Nominal unit shear capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.3.3 to determine ASD allowable unit shear capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance. For general construction requirements see 4.3.6. For

NDS
a

a
a

nailed face of framing members shall be 3" nominal or greater at adjoining panel edges and nails at all panel edges shall be staggered.
1. Nominal unit shear capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.3.3 to determine ASD allowable unit shear capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance. For general construction requirements see 4.3.6. For

2. Type S or W drywall screws shall conform to requirements of ASTM C 1002.

-
bers.
 A B
Sheathing Type, Size, and Number of Nails per Board SEISMIC WIND
Sheathing Material Nominal Nailing at Intermediate Studs Nailing at Shear Wall Boundary Members vs Ga vw
Dimensions (nails/board/support) (nails/board/end) (plf) (kips/in.) (plf)
Horizontal Lumber 1x6 & smaller 2-8d common nails (3-8d box nails) 3-8d common nails (5-8d box nails)
100 1.5 140
Sheathing 1x8 & larger 3-8d common nails (4-8d box nails) 4-8d common nails (6-8d box nails)
Diagonal Lumber 1x6 & smaller 2-8d common nails (3-8d box nails) 3-8d common nails (5-8d box nails)
600 6.0 840
Sheathing 1x8 & larger 3-8d common nails (4-8d box nails) 4-8d common nails (6-8d box nails)
Double Diagonal Lumber 1x6 & smaller 2-8d common nails (3-8d box nails) 3-8d common nails (5-8d box nails)
1200 10 1680
Sheathing 1x8 & larger 3-8d common nails (4-8d box nails) 4-8d common nails (6-8d box nails)
1x6 & smaller 2-8d common nails (3-8d box nails) 3-8d common nails (5-8d box nails)
Vertical Lumber Siding 90 1.0 125
1x8 & larger 3-8d common nails (4-8d box nails) 4-8d common nails (6-8d box nails)

1. Nominal unit shear capacities shall be adjusted in accordance with 4.3.3 to determine ASD allowable unit shear capacity and LRFD factored unit resistance. For general construction requirements see 4.3.6. For
 foundation shall be designed to resist the com-
bined uplift and shear forces developed in the
Wood structural panel sheathing or siding shall be wall. Anchors shall be spaced at 16" on center
permitted to be used for simultaneously resisting shear or less.
a. Where anchor bolts are used, a minimum
and uplift from wind forces. The ASD allowable unit
0.229" x 3" x 3" steel plate washer shall
uplift capacity shall be determined by dividing the
be used at each anchor bolt location. The
tabulated nominal uplift capacity in Table 4.4.1, modi-
edge of the plate washer shall extend to
fied by applicable footnotes, by the ASD reduction
within 1/2" of the edge of the bottom plate
factor of 2.0. The LRFD factored unit uplift resistance
on the sheathed side.
shall be determined by multiplying the tabulated b. Where other anchoring devices are used to
nominal uplift capacity in Table 4.4.1 modified by anchor the wall to the foundation, they
applicable footnotes, by a resistance factor, z, of 0.65. shall be installed on the same side of the
[Link] Nails: Nails in any single row shall not be wall as the sheathing unless other ap-
spaced closer than 3" on center. proved methods are used.
[Link] Panels: Panels shall have a minimum [Link] Sheathing Splices:
thickness of 7/16" and shall be installed with the 1. In multi-story applications where the upper
strength axis parallel to the studs. story and lower story sheathing adjoin over a
common horizontal framing member, the nail
[Link] Horizontal Joints: All horizontal joints spacing shall not be less than 3" o.c. for a sin-
shall occur over common framing members or com- gle row nor 6" o.c. for a double row in Table
mon blocking and shall meet all other requirements of 4.4.1 (see Figure 4H).
Section 4.3. 2. In single or multi-story applications where
[Link] Openings: Where windows and doors in- horizontal joints in the sheathing occur over
terrupt wood structural panel sheathing or siding, blocking between studs, nailing of the sheath-
framing anchors or connectors shall be provided to ing to the studs above and below the joint
resist and transfer the appropriate uplift loads around shall be designed to transfer the uplift across
the joint (see Figure 4I). The uplift capacity
the opening and into the foundation.
shall not exceed the capacity in Table 4.4.1.
[Link] Sheathing Extending to Top Plate: The Blocking shall be designed in accordance with
following requirements shall apply: Section [Link] for shear transfer.
1. The top edge of the wood structural panel
shall be attached to the upper top plate. Nail Horizontal blocking and sheath-
row, end spacing, and edge spacing shall be as ing tension splices placed between studs and
shown in Figure 4G. backing the horizontal joint shall be permit-
2. Roof or upper level uplift connectors shall be ted to be used to resist both uplift and shear at
on the same side of the wall as the sheathing sheathing splices over studs provided the fol-
unless other methods are used to prevent lowing conditions are met (see Figure 4J):
twisting of the top plate due to eccentric load- a. Sheathing tension splices shall be made
ing. from the same thickness and grade as the
[Link] Sheathing Extending to Bottom Plate or shear wall sheathing.
Sill Plate: The following requirements shall apply: b. Edges of sheathing shall be nailed to
1. The bottom edge of the wood structural panel sheathing tension splices using the same
shall extend to and be attached to the bottom nail size and spacing as the sheathing or
plate or sill plate as shown in Figure 4G. siding nails at the bottom plate.
2. Anchorage of bottom plates or sill plates to the
 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 foot-
notes, by the ASD reduction factor of 2.0. The LRFD
factored uplift resistance shall be determined by mul-
Where wood structural panel sheathing or siding is tiplying the tabulated nominal unit uplift capacity in
designed to resist only uplift from wind forces, it shall Table 4.4.2, modified by applicable footnotes, by a
be installed in accordance with Section 4.4.1, except resistance factor, z, of 0.65.
that panels with a minimum thickness of 3/8" shall be
permitted when installed with the strength axis parallel
 Nail Spacing Required for Shearwall Design
6d Common Nail 8d Common Nail 8d Common Nail 10d Common Nail
6" panel edge spacing 6" panel edge spacing 4" panel edge spacing 6" panel edge spacing
12" field spacing 12" field spacing 12" field 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"
2,3
Uplift Capacity (plf) of Wood Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding
Nails-
Single 0 168 336 0 216 432 NA 0 216 0 262 524
4
Row
Nails-
Double 336 672 1008 432 864 1296 216 648 1080 524 1048 1572
5
Row

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" minimum OSB panels or 15/32" minimum plywood with spe-
cies 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" 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 ¾" 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 ½" apart with a minimum
edge distance of ½". Each row shall have nails at the specified spacing.

6d Common Nail 8d Common Nail 10d Common Nail

6" panel edge spacing 6" panel edge spacing 6" panel edge spacing
12" field spacing 12" field spacing 12" field spacing
Alternate Nail Spacing at Top and Bottom Panel Edges
6" 4" 3" 6" 4" 3" 6" 4" 3"
2,3
Uplift Capacity (plf) of Wood Structural Panel Sheathing or Siding
Nails-
Single 320 480 640 416 624 832 500 750 1000
4
Row
Nails-
Double 640 960 1280 832 1248 1664 1000 1500 2000
5
Row

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" minimum OSB panels or plywood with species of plies having a specific gravity of 0.49 or greater. For ply-
wood 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 ¾" 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 ½" apart with a minimum
edge distance of ½". Each row shall have nails at the specified spacing.
Table A1 Standard Common, Box, and Sinker Nails .......... 42
Table A2 Standard Cut Washers .......................................... 42
 D = diameter
L = length
H = head diameter
Common or Box Sinker

L 2" 2-1/4" 2-1/2" 3" 3-1/4" 3-1/2" 4" 4-1/2" 5" 5-1/2" 6"
Common 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"
L 2" 2-1/4" 2-1/2" 3" 3-1/4" 3-1/2" 4" 4-1/2" 5"
Box 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"
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"
Sinker 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"

Dimensions of Standard Cut Washers1

Nominal A B C
Washer Size Inside Diameter (in.) Outside Diameter (in.) Thickness (in.)
(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
C2 General Design Requirements 47
C3 Members and Connections 49
C4 Lateral Force-Resisting Systems 53
Commentary References 77
 The Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic SDPWS
(SDPWS)
-

SDPWS

SDPWS and SDPWS Commentary -

SDPWS
SDPWS
-
 -

-
ASCE 7 – Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
®
(NDS®) for Wood and Other Structures
Construction

National

ASD Reduction Factor: -

Nominal Strength: Resistance Factor:

w
-

(5th

SDPWS -
b
s
 -

the SDPWS
-

Wind Design
ASCE 16-95 and the
2001 SDPWS
ASCE 7-88

Seismic Design -
”

D ”
where:
 Framing

Interior Sheathing

- -
Exterior Sheathing
SDPWS

Framing

Interior Sheathing

Exterior Sheathing
-
SDPWS -

SDPWS
SDPWS -

-
SDPWS
SDPWS
 SDPWS
Span Rating: Bending Strength, Fb S
Sheathing (lb-in./ft width)
Strength Axis Either Parallel
or Perpendicular to Supports
55
Span Bending Strength, Fb S
Rating: (lb-in./ft width)
Sheathing Strength Axis Strength Axis
Perpendicular to Parallel to
Supports Supports

Span Rating: Shear in the Plane, FS

Sheathing [Ib/Q] (lb/ft width)
Strength Axis Either Perpendicu-
lar or Parallel to Supports
SDPWS

SDPWS

b SDPWS

where:

SDPWS
SDPWS

-
SDPWS

SDPWS
b

where:

SDPWS

NDS -
 -

SDPWS
SDPWS

d
ASCE 7 -

- SDPWS

-
 -
NDS
-

SDPWS
-

(bending, chord (shear, panel (bending, chord

(bending, chord (shear, panel (shear, panel (bending, chord deformation shear and splice slip)
deformation deformation) nail slip) splice slip) excluding slip) nail slip)
excluding slip)

where:
where:
 where:
v

- -
SDPWS

a
-
a

Minimum Structural Sheathing Structural I

Span Nominal Panel Plywood Plywood
Rating4 Thickness (in.) OSB OSB
3-ply 4-ply 5-ply 3-ply 4-ply 5-ply
Sheathing Grades

Single Floor Grades

a
t a
t

Minimum Nominal
Sheathing Material Gvtv
Panel Thickness (in.)
 a SDPWS
Gt

:
Vn

en = (Vn

Calculate Ga:

s
SDPWS

Ga SDPWS

a SDPWS Ga SDPWS

Case 1 - unblocked
Ga a

SDPWS

Cases 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 - unblocked

Ga a

SDPWS

a
-
a a

a a
SDPWS
-
a -

Ga
-
Comparison with Diaphragm Test Data

SDPWS

- -

Span Nominal Thickness (in.)

Rating 3/8 7/16 15/32 1/2 19/32 5/8 23/32 3/4 7/8 1 1-1/8
Sheathing
P
P
P
P
P
Single Floor Grade
P
P
P
P
P

Maximum Fastener Fastener Slip, en (in.)

Load ( Vn) Fabricated w/green Fabricated w/dry
Sheathing Fastener Size
(lb/fastener) (>19% m.c.) lumber ( 19% m.c.) lumber
6d common (Vn (Vn
(Vn (Vn
(Vn (Vn
- -
- -
- -

-
a
 where:

w s

: where:

Blocked/ 1.4vs(ASD) Actual Apparent Stiffness1, Calculated Diaphragm

Wall Unblocked (plf) Ga, (kips/in.) Layout

a SDPWS

Calculated Actual
Diaphragm Description 1.4vs(ASD) Ga
(plf) (kips/in.) (in.) (in.)
 ASCE 7

:
a

a SDPWS

v :
v SDPWS

Part 1 - Calculate the number of 16d common nails

in the chord splice

ASCE 7
 nail slip:

where:
Ga
(SDPWS

slip:

(SDPWS where:

-
tion (excluding chord splice slip):

where:
v
 National Design

(SDPWS
-
SDPWS

-
-

SDPWS
SDPWS -
-
 -

-
-

SDPWS

-
-

SDPWS -
National

SDPWS

- SDPWS

SDPWS
SDPWS

a - -

Ga
2006
a International Building Code (IBC) and the 2003 Na-
tional Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP)
a Provisions
 a

SDPWS -

SDPWS

-
 -
SDPWS

SDPWS

National Design

SDPWS

SDPWS -
SDPWS

(bending) (shear) (nail slip) (wall anchorage slip)

where:
-

SDPWS

-
-
 SDPWS

(bending) (shear) (wall anchorage slip) -

SDPWS
SDPWS

where:

a SDPWS
a
ASCE 7
SDPWS
a
SDPWS
a
-
a

(SDPWS -
 -

a
-

SDPWS

Calculated1 Actual
Reference Description 1.4 s(ASD) Ga Ga
(plf) (kips/in.) (in.) (in.) (kips/in.)
Structural Fiberboard Sheathing

Gypsum Wallboard (GWB) Sheathing

Lumber Sheathing

SDPWS
 a SDPWS :
- Vn
v

en = (Vn

Calculate Ga:

s
SDPWS

Ga SDPWS
s(ASD)

Gt

SDPWS

SDPWS

ub ub

(bending) (shear) (wall anchorage slip)

ub

ub
- ub

ub = b Cub ub
 -
SDPWS

where:
-

SDPWS SDPWS

SDPWS -
s w

SDPWS -

SDPWS
-
-

ub

-
o
 o -

Co tot

SDPWS -

-
-
o-max o =
ho-max tot o

where: -

-
 SDPWS
-

SDPWS

SDPWS

SDPWS -

-
SDPWS

SDPWS
o
-

SDPWS

-
SDPWS
SDPWS

SDPWS
 a

SDPWS
o

SDPWS

and t
 -

- -

-
-

SDPWS

SDPWS

-
SDPWS
-

SDPWS

- SDPWS SDPWS
 -

SDPWS

SDPWS

SDPWS
where:

(NDS) for Wood Construction

SDPWS
-
u :

where:
 -

NDS
-

-
SDPWS NDS

C NDS

SDPWS
SDPWS NDS

C NDS

SDPWS
 -

-
 -

- -

-
-