Wood Shear Walls Research Articles

Design Considerations for Using Adhesives in Shear Walls

The results of earthquake tests of light-frame, wood shear walls conducted by several researchers are reviewed. The effect of using adhesives to attach the sheathing material to the framing is considered, specifically, potential problems due to the adhesive strengthening and stiffening of the wall system when subjected to an inertial loading such as an earthquake. None of the current design and building codes used in the United States address the use of adhesives, and engineers may design unsafe structures. Change in probable failure modes from the traditional ductile yielding of the nail connections between the sheathing and the framing to the anchorage connections or adjacent structural components is highlighted. Recommendations for changes that should be made to the building and design codes are suggested. Changes to the seismic design procedures only are recommended and the improved performance of adhesives in shear walls subjected to wind or other applied loads is acknowledged.

Racking Deformations in Wood Shear Walls

The theory presented in this paper predicts racking deformations in wood‐stud shear walls. The energy method employed defines the wall performance in terms of the lateral nonlinear load‐slip behavior of the nails which fasten the sheathing to the frame. Using power curves to define the nail loadslip relationship, the theory predicts that wall deformation due to nail slip will also be defined by a power curve. The theory also includes linear deformation due to shear distortion of the sheathing material, and provides accurate estimation of wall performance up to moderate load levels. The method presented should be of interest to engineers who design light frame structures, to researchers, and to those who are concerned with building codes.

Closure to “ Formulas for Wood Shear Walls ” by John T. Easley, Mehdi Foomani, and Robert H. Dodds (November, 1982)

Closure to “ <i>Formulas for Wood Shear Walls</i> ” by John T. Easley, Mehdi Foomani, and Robert H. Dodds (November, 1982)

Discussion of “ Formulas for Wood Shear Walls ” by John T. Easley, Mehdi Foomani, and Robert H. Dodds (November, 1982)

Discussion of “ <i>Formulas for Wood Shear Walls</i> ” by John T. Easley, Mehdi Foomani, and Robert H. Dodds (November, 1982)