Wall panel arounds Shearwall

[strucengr]

I have come across a design (in southern california) where shearwalls (3/8" struc I plywood)have been called out around the building. Shearwall have not been called out in some locations (where width is smaller than 3 feet). What material is normally used at these locations as fill?

Thank you

 

[jjeng2]

Not at all familiar with CA code but if these areas are small it might pay to just use the same material rather than have a contractor have to order seperate material and trust him to keep track of what is going where. If you are going to use a different material any exterior rated sheathing accepted by the governing code should be fine. Just make sure it is the same thickness.

 

[whyun]

It is customary to apply same sheathing material as the shear wall at the walls not counted upon to carry shear to avoid "let-in" condition at the exterior. At the interior condition, same thickness gypsum board is used.

How old is your building? City of Los Angeles requires 1/2" minimum thick plywood with minimum 4 plys for a long time. IF it is new construction, please consider NOT using 3/8".