Plywood shear walls with metal studs

[vmirat]

I have a shear wall that I designed with 15/32" Structural 1 plywood per AISI Lateral Design code. The contractor says he can't get 15/32" Structural 1 without special ordering at least 70 sheets (I only need three).

The AISI code seems very limited in what they allow for types and thickness of plywood and OSB. Is there anything else that can be used that will meet this code?

 

[JStructsteel]

why not use a thickness of Structural 1 plywood that he can get? Im sure cost is not really a factor on 3 sheets.

 

[abusementpark]

Do you really need Structural 1?

You can get slightly less shear wall values from Exposure 1 grade sheathing.

 

[vmirat]

Here's the thing. Shear walls are based on tested assemblies, such as wood studs, nails, and plywood. The tables which list the shear values are based on these test results. From what I can tell, you can't just pick a different plywood. For steel stud shear walls, it seems the big factor is the fastener type. I found tables for steel studs and pins by Ramset which has a lot more information for types/thicknesses of plywood but I can't find anything for TEK screws.

 

[OldPaperMaker]

vmirat,
Check with the Engineered Wood Systems at

http://www.apawood.org

or call their Product Support Held Desk at (253) 620-7400. They are located in Tacoma, Washington.

 

[garpe]

Where is the job located? Structural I is not available on the east coast of the US.