Wood GWB or WSP Shear Walls

[MacGruber22]

Is there any guidance somewhere for shear capacities of Wood GWB or WSP shear walls with resilient channels?

"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."

 

[jayrod12]

Why not install the WSP directly to the studs, then install the resilient channels?

 

[MacGruber22]

I agree. I am asking based on a conversation I had with a colleague. He referenced a UL number that his arch was insisting to use. He was also insistent on using a particular UL for the GWB assembly. I can understand the problem for the GWB. You can igmore commenting on the WSP.

"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."

 

[jayrod12]

I see... I don't know of any tested capacities off hand. My first feeling is the inherent flexibility of the resilient channels would negate the shear action of the panel. If they're using GWB as a shearwall, there needs to be some give and take on the Architect's side as well...

 

[MacGruber22]

The channel itself wouldn't be my concern as much as the fastener flexibility. But, I guess if the resilient channel was rigid, fastener prying/bending would be much less. Regardless, if there is no empirical testing, it is much too risky to try to use first principles to rationalize a solution with the channel.

Give and take is a good thing, particularly because we are not getting enough detail in arch progress drawings earlier in the process. Lesson learned to ask ahead of time.

"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."

 

[KootK]

I'd definitely be leary of a first principles approach. Among other issues, panel shear eventually has to make it's way into the high and low plates and the boundary studs. It's hard to see a robust path for that with typical resilient channel detailing. And what you might do with non-typical detailing would create local acoustical bridges which would defeat the purpose of the channels, at least locally.

Unfortunately, sandwiching the channels between GWB and WSP directly attached to the studs also neutered the acoustical performance of the resilient channels. As such, it's tough to have one face of the wall be both the shear panel and the RC acoustical barrier simultaneously. Architects often don't pick up on that.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Triangled]

never heard of it

 

[MacGruber22]

KootK - agreed. I tried to convince my friend to be insistent on the arch going with staggered 2x4's within 2x8 plates. That takes care of the acoustical requirements in combo with good acoustic insulation. Frankly, I would think the STC rating is much better with that configuration. With relatively low floor loads/spans/# of stories, this is done regularly in my neck of the woods.

I reached out to Woodworks, but heard nothing yet. I suspect they will say the same as Triangled et al.

"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."

 

[dik]

Can you use steel straps to provide the diaphragm action? Then the resilient channels and GWB?

Dik