Racking Deformations in Wood Shear Walls

Abstract

The theory presented in this paper predicts racking deformations in wood‐stud shear walls. The energy method employed defines the wall performance in terms of the lateral nonlinear load‐slip behavior of the nails which fasten the sheathing to the frame. Using power curves to define the nail loadslip relationship, the theory predicts that wall deformation due to nail slip will also be defined by a power curve. The theory also includes linear deformation due to shear distortion of the sheathing material, and provides accurate estimation of wall performance up to moderate load levels. The method presented should be of interest to engineers who design light frame structures, to researchers, and to those who are concerned with building codes.