Effect of opening layout and sheathing on lateral load bearing capacity in wooden shear walls

Abstract

Wood is preferred as building material in earthquake zones thanks to its light-weight. In countries with high seismic activity, wooden construction systems are required to be resistant to lateral and vertical loads. In traditional architecture, lateral load resistance is ensured with filled and unfilled walls which are strengthened with braces. In present day lateral load resistance is ensured with wooden shear walls formed by sheathings covered on the wall frame. Wooden shear walls may contain openings such as windows, doors and service channels. These types of openings reduce rigidity in wooden shear walls. The opening ratio, opening location, sheathing thickness and connection types have an impact on the lateral load bearing capacity of shear walls. This study investigates the use of two types of wooden shear walls with different-layout openings which were modelled with plywood sheathing material. For the purposes of this study, lateral load bearing capacities were calculated for both types of sheathing material of different thicknesses. The results are presented in tables by comparing the calculated capacity increase to the increase in weight.