new openings in existing wood-framed walls

[Ben29]

I have a 1-story existing restaurant whereby the owner wants to cut a new door opening in the exterior wood-framed bearing wall. I am concerned that the wall could be part of a shear wall. They want to remove at least 6ft wide opening, but ideally an 11ft wide opening.

In terms of shear walls, is there a rule-of-thumb for cutting into existing wood-framed walls if you don't have the original structural drawings to go off of? For instance, the existing wall in question is about 50ft long and had (2) existing man-door openings. I wouldn't think twice about putting in a 6ft opening, but the 11ft opening is giving me pause. Please see image below for additional information.

 

[kwinner]

Less than 10% reduction in capacity of lateral resisting elements is the code allowed rule of thumb. However, you have to check overturning forces as well and the hold down implications according to location of openings.

Example: If you have a 30' continuous wall, you can likely add a 3' opening with no modifications (I would run quick calcs to justify no overturning). If you have (6) 5' walls and you add a 3' opening you render that single 5' wall useless, therefore actually removing 5' out of the existing 30' and a lateral analysis/upgrade would be required.

 

[Ben29]

Thank you, kwinner.