SDPWS Footnote 2: Increase Shear Capacity for 15/32 Sheathing Conditions

Summary: Apply SDPWS Table 4.3A Footnote 2 to use higher Vn when studs ≤16 in. o.c. or panels long dimension across studs. Free shear wall design tool. An 8×8 ft…

Overview

Building / scenario

• Occupancy / use: Residential

Problem statement

An 8×8 ft shear wall has 3/8 in. OSB with 8d common nails at 4 in. edge spacing. Studs are 16 in. o.c. and panels are applied with long dimension across studs. Wind load = 3,000 lb. SDPWS Footnote 2 permits using the 15/32 in. sheathing capacity (higher Vn). Check if the wall is adequate with Footnote 2 applied.

Workflow in StructSuite

StructSuite applies SDPWS Table 4.3A Footnote 2 when enabled: Va uses the 15/32 capacity instead of the base row, when stud spacing ≤ 16 in. or panels long dimension across studs. Uses §4.1.4.2 for wind. This often avoids upgrading to thicker panels.

Related terms

• StructSuite
• structural engineering
• design example
• shear wall
• SDPWS
• footnote 2 capacity increase

Open the live example

Use the interactive, read-only wizard: Open this example in StructSuite (pre-filled inputs and step-by-step UI).