shear wall design based on min 5 psf 1

[cruzinbear]

I am looking at an INTERIOR light frame structure - self supported inside an enclosed commercial building. It has 4 walls and a ceiling/roof. The seismic loads are low and therefore the min 5 psf, per IBC 1607.13, governs for out-of-plane loads of the wall studs. My question is, do I have to consider the 5 psf on both parallel walls simultaneously for the design of shear walls and hold-downs? Thank you.

 

[JAE]

I have heard (but not verified) that the 5 psf is both a nominal "feel good" pressure on interior walls and also based somewhat upon differentials in interior room air pressures from fluctuations in the wind forces and pressures outside the building.

If the 5 psf is the former, then for me a "feel good" number would be to use the 5 psf on both surfaces.

If it is differential, then I'd try to determine if your opposite wall faces are within the same interior space (i.e. not separated by walls defining separate volumes).
If there are separating walls, I'd use the 5 psf on both walls. If both walls are part of a common volumetric space, I'd use it on one side only.

None of what I've written above is based on any code - just thinking outloud with you here.