Years of research and building code development have proven that wood-frame structures can meet or exceed the most demanding earthquake design requirements.
Forces in an earthquake are proportional to the structure’s weight and wood is substantially lighter than steel or concrete. The fact that wood buildings tend to have numerous nail connections means they have more load paths, so there’s less chance the structure will collapse should some connections fail. This is also why they have inherent ductility, which allows them to dissipate energy when faced with the sudden loads of an earthquake.
Although wood buildings are known to perform well in earthquakes, proper detailing is essential. To this end, a basic understanding of how lateral loads impact wood framing systems, and how construction detailing and fasteners affect the ultimate performance of a structure, is invaluable.
More Information
- Design Concepts: Building in High Wind and Seismic Zones – APA
- Designing for Earthquakes – WoodWorks
- Wood-Frame Construction: Meeting the Challenges of Earthquakes – Canadian Wood Council
- ANSI/AF&PA NDS-2005 – National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction – American Wood Council (AWC)/American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)
- ANSI/AF&PA SDPWS-2005 – Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic standard with Commentary – AWC/AF&PA
- ANSI/AF&PA WFCM-2001 Wood Frame Construction Manual for One and Two-Family Dwellings with Commentary – AWC/AF&PA
- Benchmarking Seismic Base Shear to Historical Practice – AF&PA
- Diaphragms and Shear Walls – APA
- EWS Data File: Lateral Load Connections for Low-Slow Roof Diaphragms – APA
- Introduction to Lateral Design – APA
- Seismic Requirements for Wood Building Design – Recent Changes to ASCE 7 and IBC – AF&PA