ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on design and detailing requirements from a conceptual point of view, and what lateral load resisting systems, elements, and connections should look like. Lateral loads on structures are commonly caused by wind, earthquakes, and soil pressure and less commonly caused by human activity, waves, or blasts. These loads are difficult to quantify with any degree of precision. The magnitude and distribution of lateral loads drive the layout of frames and shear walls. These walls resist lateral forces, acting like cantilevered beams poking out of the ground. Timber diaphragms have comparatively low capacity. However, for smaller structures, or those with light walls, timber diaphragms perform well. To design a timber diaphragm, we need to know the shear and moment distribution in it—though often just the maximum shear and moment. Diaphragm shear strength is a function of sheathing orientation and nailing patterns.
