Using a timber stud wall as a shear wall in lieu of masonry

[Contraflexure74]

Hi,

I was just wondering what Engineers thought of using a timber framed wall as a shear wall in lieu of a masonry wall.

I have a steel frame build and was looking at considering using a timber frame panel in lieu of masonry for the infill shear wall on one elevation. The stud wall would have 18mm plywood screw fixed on both sides of the timber stud wall to give it it's stiffness.

Anyone done this before?

John.

 

[KootK]

I have't done that but I'm sure that it could be done with the right detailing. A cold formed metal stud shear wall is another possibility.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[EngineeringEric]

It can be done. you fasten your plate to the flanges with bolts (or pafs). consideration should be given to stiffness or you system. I have done this before for cases where i had steel frames that were not lateral but i needed lateral capacity... it was a unique situation and i had multiple lines of redundancy as it was my first.