Lateral 101 for Architects

This is an introductory course designed to help architects better understand the basic structural nature of buildings under lateral forces which can in effect help create more efficient plan layouts, potentially reduce costs, and increase the lateral performance of the building. 

A 2-story example will be presented on a “What if” basis to help understand the consequences of developing minimal structural lateral resisting layouts, and how moving or deleting shear walls can create complicated load paths and structural irregularities.

By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:

• Review how, in very general terms, wind and seismic forces are applied to structures and the types of lateral resisting systems that are commonly available to resist them.
• Develop an understanding of structural irregularities and how they cause buildings to respond to lateral forces.
• Demonstrate how changes in a basic 2-story example plan can create structural irregularities and complicate lateral load paths.
• Examine the stiffness relationship between shear walls and diaphragms that can change the force distribution in the structure.

Recorded courses are available on The Wood Institute. You must create a free account to take these on-demand courses.