Effect of Construction Variables on Performance of Wood-Stud Walls

Sensitivity studies were conducted on simulated wood-stud wall systems under bending and compression loads to identify the influence of individual and combined parameters–such as geometric, stiffness, and strength properties–of wall components and joints on wall strength and deflection. Results showed that simple strength (RP) and deflection factors (Ry) can be developed that account for changes in variables such as the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of studs and sheathing, stiffness modulus of nailed joints, and stud spacing. The values for RP and Ry, developed in six low-strength walls in a representative sample of simulated walls made of Douglas-fir Stud grade studs, were almost the same for each wall. Stud MOE influenced wall performance most (a 20 percent increase in MOE produced an RP of 1.15, that is, a 1.15 stronger wall), followed by stud spacing (a change of spacing from 16 to 24 inches produced an RP of about 0,65), joint stiffness modulus (twice as many nails produced an RP of about 1.16), and sheathing MOE (a 50 percent increase in MOE produced an RP of only 1.02). Except for stud spacing, the combined effect of changing several variables simultaneously may be predicted from the effect of changing individual variables which should lower costs and greatly reduce future efforts of developing data for the probabilistic design of walls.

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