ABSTRACT
The design of vertical diaphragms or shear walls is one of the most critical elements in wood framed structures. The lateral forces due to wind or seismic loads are transmitted from the horizontal diaphragm to the shear walls, which then transfer these loads to the foundation. The lateral load distribution to vertical diaphragms or shear walls is a function of the relative rigidity of the horizontal roof and floor diaphragms. Horizontal diaphragms can be classified as flexible or rigid, and most wood buildings can be assumed to have flexible diaphragms. A typical wood-framed structure has plywood sheathing on the exterior walls only, with the remaining interior walls sheathed with GWB. The most common sheathing materials used are either plywood or gypsum wall board (GWB). Shear walls are the main elements used to resist lateral loads due to wind and earthquake in wood-framed buildings.
