Structural Behavior of Wood Light-Frame Wall Segments Subjected to In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Forces

Abstract

The tests were performed on 2.44 m by 2.44 m light-frame wall segments, having oriented strand-board sheathing nailed to sawn lumber framing, to determine their structural response to in-plane and out-of-plane forces applied separately or in combination. There was no evidence that simultaneous application of in-plane and out-of-plane forces negatively affects the strength of walls. However, it was found that interaction of different in-plane force components can substantially reduce strength capabilities of walls relative to when only one in-plane force component exists. Applying both in-plane tension and racking force in the ratio of 1:1 reduced the capacities of walls by 25 to 40%, with how lumber studs are connected to lumber base plates strongly influencing the absolute capacity of any wall.