DES431 – Demystifying Diaphragm Design

The 2018 International Building Code (IBC) specifies that structures using wood-framed shear walls and diaphragms to resist wind, seismic and other lateral loads shall be designed and constructed in accordance with AWC’s 2015 Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS) or 2018 Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. Both code-referenced standards provide procedures for designing diaphragms for wood construction. This presentation will demystify diaphragm design by providing wind and seismic design examples for in-plane lateral design of wood- and gypsum-sheathed diaphragms including high-load diaphragms.

Level: Intermediate
Primary Audience: Engineers, Code Officials

Learning Objectives: 

1. Calculate wood-frame diaphragm deflection using the 2015 SDPWS.
2. Compare the difference between the 3-term and 4-term deflection equation in the 2015 SDPWS.
3. Analyze wood- and gypsum-sheathed diaphragms using prescriptive and engineered procedures.
4. Evaluate special inspection requirements as required for high-load diaphragms.

Equivalencies: 1.5 Hours of Instruction = 0.15 Continuing Education Units (CEU) = 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDH) = 1.5 Learning Units (LU)