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Industry Links
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More Shear Wall & Related Information
Industry Associations
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APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Formerly called "The American Plywood Association", this organization did much of the early research on shear walls and continues to perform tests and research. A wealth of information, much of it available for free download as PDF's. -
American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA)
This organization publishes the "National Design Specification for Wood Construction", which most model codes adopt for their chapter on wood construction. -
American Wood Council
A sister (or maybe daughter) organization of the AF&PA.
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Applied Technology Council
Geared more toward high-rise and commercial construction, but they do have an Inspection Checklist for wood-framed shear walls (make sure you have plenty of yellow ink before you print it) -
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
Sells the video "Resisting the Forces of Earthquakes"
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Association of Bay Area Governments (San Francisco area)
Lots of good information on earthquake preparedness and strengthening of existing buildings. Slide show of shear walls--note that some of the figures show shear wall installations that do not reflect best engineering practices. Some good images of earthquake damage. -
United States Geological Survey
These are the people who tell you where and how big an earthquake was, for almost any earthquake in the world. -
California Department of Geology
Information on California earthquake faults and more
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International Code Council
In addition to publishing the International Code series, they also offer many other publications (but not free shipping!) and links to Evaluation Reports for thousands of building products. -
McVicker Associates
A structural engineer's website with lots of information on wood-frame construction. Also a section on shear walls. -
Structuralist.net
An ongoing project by a dedicated engineer "providing education of professionals and the public to improve design and construction quality". -
CCL Construction Consultants
Construction defect avoidance and how to document construction quality to protect yourself in case of a lawsuit.
Hardware Manufacturers & Suppliers
Tie-Downs, Connectors and other Hardware
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Commins Manufacturing
Shrinkage-compensating devices -
InQuest Engineering
Shrinkage-compensating devices and high-capacity continuous tie-down systems -
K-C Metals
Tie-downs, straps and other hardware -
Simpson Strong-Tie
Tie-downs, straps and other hardware
Shrinkage-compensating devices -
USP Lumber Connectors
Tie-downs, straps and other hardware -
Zone Four
Shrinkage-compensating devices (mfrd. by Commins) and high-capacity continuous tie-down systems
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Ron L. Bishop Associates
Source for Seismic Solutions product line, specialized adhesives, concrete patching compounds and more, plus expert application advice
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E Z Tech
"Z-Wall" (diagonally braced steel frame) -
Shear Transfer Systems
"Shear Max" Panel (wood studs with OSB face panel) -
Simplified Structural Systems
"Hardy-Frame" (diagonally braced steel stud panel) and "Hardy-Panel" (steel studs with sheet metal face panel) -
Simpson Strong-Tie
"Strong-Wall" (wood studs with OSB face panel) -
Trus-Joist
"TJ-Shear" Panel (engineered wood panel)
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Sheather-Plus nails
Brochure for Stanley-Bostich nails