SIP Panel diaphragm and shear wall design - Canada

[atrizzy]

Does anyone know a good resource for seismic design values, and maybe a few commonly used details, for SIP panels in Canada?

The project I'm working on is a bit strange in that the architect wants to use the panels essentially as cladding for a large timber frame structure. I'd like to use the panels for seismic resistance as well... which will likely require a reworking of some of his details. But that's another topic.

Thanks!

 

[skeletron]

We briefly discussed SIP panels for light commercial and residential structures in an SEABC course. Cool product and definitely on the cutting edge. Architects seem to like them and they seem to work if you have the detailing right. The instructor mentioned that only the skin is effective for seismic resistance. Not much help, but who knows, maybe that'll get you where you need to be...

 

[atrizzy]

I'm thinking to be basically relegated to their published data at this point. Luckily my application really only uses the SIPs as siding. So I can just use the layer of plywood placed against the primary framing for shear resistance.

 

[dhengr]

Atrizzy:
Do talk with some manufr’s. of some of these SIPS, talk to their engineers, not sales staff, and press them for real engineering info. not just pretty pictures. Use their engineering values and details. The details, fastening, joints, caulking, etc. are all important in making these work well. You have to be careful w.r.t. the building drift and flexibility, because the panels are very stiff and will try to pick up some of the (most of the?) lateral load. But. the only place they tend to move is at their joints, and they tend to move as rigid panels, by rocking on their corners. They do not parallelogram in shape to take the movement.

 

[OldBldgGuy]

atrizzy: I assume you're in BC if you're asking about seismic; I'm in Ontario and I do almost no seismic design, but I do work with SIPs a fair bit because of a couple of architects that I deal with. The the company that I know well manufactures in Fort Erie, ON, and their engineer is knowledgeable and helpful. I'm never sure about protocol with names on the forum, so just google SIPs manufacturers Fort Erie and you'll find them. They will give you standard details for drawings as well as good information.