APA - The Engineered Wood Association

May 9, 2008

APA to Support Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project

APA will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, thousands of volunteers from around the world and partner families to support Habitat for Humanity's 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in the Gulf Coast. The five-day event takes place May 11-16, 2008 and will serve to construct and rehabilitate 60 houses and frame up to 48 more in the host cities of Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula, Miss.

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ICC Approves Wall Bracing Code Revisions

The International Code Council (ICC) approved several code revisions at the recently concluded ICC Code Development Hearing in Palm Springs, California. The code revisions, proposed by APA, the Structural Insulated Panel Association and the ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Wall Bracing, addressed a number of International Building Code and International Residential Code provisions. The ICC decisions are subject to public comments which are due June 9, 2008 and may be challenged at the final action hearing to be held September 17-23 in Minneapolis.

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New Case Studies Feature Engineered Wood Products

Five new APA case studies on projects featuring engineered wood products are now available. The profiles include a JP Morgan Chase bank branch in New Albany, Ohio; two new dormitories at the University of Texas at Arlington; the Westin Verasa Resort in Napa, Calfiornia; West Adams Preparatory High School in Los Angeles, California; and the Atlantic Station Project, an urban renewal project in Atlanta, Georgia.

The case studies are available as downloadable PDFs or for purchase for $0.50 each:

" APA Case Study: JP Morgan Chase, Form J110
" APA Case Study: University Residence Halls, Form J125
" APA Case Study: Westin Verasa Resort, Form J120
" APA Case Study: West Adams Preparatory, Form J115
" APA Case Study: Atlantic Station Project, Form J130

Click here to access APA's complete list of case studies.

Phase 1 Testing of Whole House Wall Bracing Complete

APA has released a report that summarizes Phase I test results for a variety of wall bracing configurations using APA's three-dimensional full-scale house and state-of-the-art loading apparatus. The report, Full-Scale 3D Wall Bracing Tests, APA Report T2007-73, is available as a downloadable PDF from the APA Publications Library.

This extensive study evaluates how various structural components work as a whole and provides the industry with a better understanding of a house's true three-dimensional system performance, as well as specific measurements and data for wall bracing methods. Additional bracing information is available at www.wallbracing.org.

Track E3House Demonstration Projects Online

APA launched a new web site, E3House.org, where visitors can track all E3House demonstration projects. View shop drawings, event schedules, construction photos and follow the latest news as APA and its partner organizations bring construction solutions to the Gulf Coast.

Elevate: Raise the house and it becomes a home.

Educate: Open houses, seminars, and media opportunities explain design, construction and material choices.

Endure: Demonstration projects feature the latest in green products and applications.

Brace Yourself for a Narrow Wall Solution

APA's Narrow Wall Bracing Method helps builders reduce garage wall bracing width while still providing performance equivalent to the prescriptive code requirements. Use the APA Narrow Wall Bracing Method on your next home. Find out more at www.apawood.org/bracing.

Learn More About APA Member Products

Get the latest information on APA member products, locate a member manufacturer near you, and download publications from the products section of apawood.org.