Wood Wall - Design Rules

The Max Bending Chk column defines the hold-down maximum code check value. Typically this will always be 1.0, but allows the option of having the program pick out a hold-down that is not at maximum capacity. Putting a value of 0.8 will choose a hold-down that is at 80% of capacity.

The Top Plate column specifies the member to be used as a top plate for your wall. A top plate is a member that runs continuously along the top of the wall studs. Note that you can use multiple plies of nominal lumber, or custom shapes.

The Sill Plate column specifies the member to be used as a sill plate for your wall. A sill plate is a member that runs continuously along the bottom of the wall studs. Note that you can use multiple plies of nominal lumber, or custom shapes.

The Studs column specifies the member to be used for studs in your wall. Studs are vertical members in the wall, attached to the sill plate at the bottom and the top plate at the top. Note that you can use multiple plies of nominal lumber, or custom shapes.

The Min/Max Stud Space column lets you specify a minimum and maximum spacing of wall studs. The program can then optimize the stud spacing based on axial design only. For information on how the optimization works, see the Wood Wall - Design topic.

• If you specify the maximum and minimum stud spacing as the same value, then we will use that value exclusively.
• Out of plane design is not performed for wood walls, so any optimization is based only on axial forces in the studs.

The Green Lumber column contains a checkbox that lets you choose a parameter for moisture content.

• NDS Design: Check this box if your moisture content is greater than 19%. The program multiples the Ga value of the shear panel by 0.5 per Note 5 of Tables 4.3A and 4.3B of the NDS SDPWS.

• CSA O86 Design: Check this box if you have wet service conditions. This effects the Service Condition Factors, Ks per CSA O86-14 Table 6.4.2.

The Header Size column defines the default header size for all openings.  

Note that this can be modified in the Wall Panel Editor by double-clicking the opening and choosing Custom.

The Schedule column lets you select the Code, and Panel Group you would like to use for design optimization. By unchecking the Select Entire Panel Group box, an individual panel type may be assigned.

For information on how the optimization works, see the Wood Wall - Design topic. For more information on this schedule, as well as information on how to edit or create your own custom schedule, see Appendix F-Wood Design Databases

The Min Panel Thick columns lets you set the minimum thickness of the sheathing that will be designed. If the same value is input for both min and max, that is the thickness used.

The Max Panel Thick columns lets you set the maximum thickness of the sheathing that will be designed. If the same value is input for both max and min, that is the thickness used.

The Double Sided column lets you choose whether you want the program to force sheathing on only one side of the panel, both sides, or to choose the optimum based on weight.

The Max Nail Spacing column lets you set the maximum spacing of the nails that fasten the sheathing to the boundary members (top plate, sill plate, hold down chords). Note that a 12" spacing is assumed for all field nailing (nails fastening the sheathing to the internal studs).

The Min Nail Spacing column lets you set the minimum spacing of the nails that fasten the sheathing to the boundary members (top plate, sill plate, hold down chords). Note that a 12" spacing is assumed for all field nailing (nails fastening the sheathing to the internal studs).

You can choose what member size you would like to use for the Hold Down Chords (Posts) at both ends of the wall panel.

You can specify whether the hold down chords are of the same material as the wall, or another material.

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You can select the Manufacturer and Hold Down Series you would like to use for design optimization. By selecting Explicit Hold Down from the Current Selection Type drop-down you can select an individual hold down product to be assigned. For information on how the optimization works, see the Wood Wall - Design topic. For more information on this schedule, as well as information on how to edit or create your own custom schedule, see Appendix F-Wood Shear Wall Files

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You can select the Manufacturer and Strap Series you would like to use for design optimization. By selecting Explicit Hold Down from the Current Selection Type drop-down you can select an individual hold down product to be assigned. For information on how the optimization works, see the Wood Wall - Design topic. For more information on this schedule, as well as information on how to edit or create your own custom schedule, see Appendix F-Wood Shear Wall Files

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