wood framed shear walls - sheathing panels applied vertically

[TBacon]

Do the values in the 2008 SDPWS Table 4.3A Nominal Unit Shear Capacities for Wood-Frame Shear Walls vary if your sheathing runs vertically instead of horizontally? The shear walls I am considering are framed at 24"o.c. and sheathing is spec'd as 15/32 APA Rated Sheathing. I haven't found any information indicating a required sheathing direction associated with the shear values given in Table 4.3A.

Thanks

 

[jayrod12]

I can't comment on the SDPWS however the Canadian code has no problem with this provided the horizontal joints are staggered.

 

[msquared48]

And blocked. Vertical application is normally how it is done here.

However, for GSB and GWB, horizontal is normal.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[TBacon]

msquared48 - vertical application makes a lot of sense, (in this case they are interested in reducing the amount of blocking and thus thermal bridging), but yes the walls are calling for blocking.

Is there any code requirement for the panels to be staggered when applied vertically? Thanks!!

 

[msquared48]

For double sided shear walls, yes. I believe it is one of the notes on the shear wall tables in the IBC.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[jayrod12]

We have modification factors for unblocked shear walls. In fact, generally, the unblocked capacities are more than adequate for walls with low unit shears.

 

[TBacon]

MSQUARED48 - Thanks again. You are correct - per the footnotes in the SDPWS T4.3A footnote 6 calls for staggered panel joints when nail spacing is less than 6" o.c. and panels are applied to both sides of the wall. Otherwise, as I now understand it, panels are not required to be staggered.

Thank you.