Racking Resistance of Wall Components Constructed with Particleboard Decking

The racking resistance of wall components constructed with particleboard decking was evaluated. Variables included southern pine particleboard (urea- and phenolic-bonded decking), weathering condition (unweathered and weathered on an outdoor test fence for 1 yr.), adhesive type (construction mastic and phenol-resorcinol), framing member size (2 by 4 and 2 by 6 in.) and panel orientation (parallel and perpendicular to the studs). Wall components covered with plywood were tested for comparison purposes. Frames with nail-glued, 5/8-inch unweathered urea and phenolic particleboard compared favorably in shear load and rigidity with frames covered with 1/2-inch C-D plywood sheathing. Racking resistance was not affected by weathering of phenolic decking, but was severely affected by weathering of urea particleboard. Frames covered with panels oriented parallel to the studs performed better than frames oriented perpendicular to the studs. Construction adhesive type and framing size did not affect frame performance.

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