large opening in wood diapphragm 1

[rittz]

Can dome one give me a hint on how to handle a large opening in a wood diaphragm. See attached sketch,

 

[jayrod12]

I would probably try to treat it the same as a door opening in a wall. It can't be much different than that.

Before you ask, I'd probably try to treat it as two separate segments that are 12'x34'. That's not outside the realm of possible for a wood diaphragm. What supports the opening, built-up joists or stairwell walls?

 

[Jerehmy]

breyer references APA Research Report 138 as a way to analyze them Link

appendix E looks like where the opening is.

 

[jayrod12]

That's a great link Jerehmy

 

[KootK]

These ones too:

Link
Link

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[medeek]

Malone's book also goes into some good examples on how to deal with openings:

http://www.amazon.com/Analysis-Irregular-Shaped-Structures-Diaphragms/dp/007176383X

@KootK

The CWC paper looks like a nice treatment of openings, I'll have to read through that one but the metric in it almost makes one feel like it is written in a completely different language. Do Canadian engineers really do their calcs in Newtons? I grew up in Terrace B.C. Canada (on a potato farm) and we did use metric in school but the lumber was all in imperial units (ie. 2x4s, 1/2 ply etc...)

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[KootK]

Do Canadian engineers really do their calcs in Newtons?

The younger ones definitely do. Kilonewtons at least. I just can't "feel" metric values I'm afraid, despite its obvious rationality. I also dislike detailing in metric due to the lack of nice round numbers. 39x140...yeesh.

Terrace is nice country. I was born in Trail and grew up in Cranbrook. We were practically neighbors!


I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[medeek]

I get the metric advantages too but at the same time I think there are some disadvantages too. If they ever force it upon us though I will probably hang up the engineering hat and go work as a Walmart greeter.

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[XR250]

The US government jobs I have worked on required metric. It was interesting to see a building height as 10,476 mm