APACAD.org -- APA’s online resource for building designers and construction professionals in search of CAD (Computer Aided Design) details for wood-frame construction -- now offers details in Spanish. More than 30 Spanish-language CAD details are available free of charge in four different file formats: DWG, DWF, DXF and PDF. Details can be searched for by title or browsed for within several product and construction-system categories, including Panel Roof Construction, Build a Better Home, I-Joist Floor Framing and Fire Rated Systems. Spanish-language details can be accessed by visiting www.APACAD.org and clicking on the Mexican Flag in the upper-right corner of the webpage.

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Structural Engineering & Design magazine's February 2010 issue features an article on wind-resistant wood design that details design advancements in the 20 years following Hurricane Hugo. The article was developed from a white paper that APA Engineered Wood Specialist Bryan Readling, P.E., and Senior Engineer Ed Keith, P.E., wrote for a recent Hurricane Hugo symposium.

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APA has updated the I-Joist Construction Details - Performance Rated I-Joists in Floor and Roof Framing. This installation guide provides updated information on recommended construction details for Performance Rated I-joists in floor and roof applications. The publication also includes recommendations for cantilevers and placement of web holes. The 55-page interactive PDF contains links to exploded views of various construction details.

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APA has updated the APA System Report: Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind, Form SR-101. This publication provides designs for utilizing wind uplift resistance capabilities from wood structural panels. The updated report also includes information on resisting lateral shear forces and wind pressure perpendicular to the wall.

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APA has updated the Technical Note: Controlling Decay in Wood Construction, Form R495. This publication provides an overview of preventing and minimizing the degradation of wood through proper design, storage, construction and maintenance details.

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A Guide to the 2009 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions, a new publication aiming to improve understanding and application of the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) lateral bracing requirements, is now available for purchase from the ICC store.

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Three new APA publications describe economical systems that help builders achieve higher performance with plywood or OSB wall sheathing. These brochures are available as free downloadable PDFs from the APA Publications Library.

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With modern home designs maximizing windows and minimizing wall sections, meeting the International Residential Code (IRC) requirements for wall bracing can be a challenge. APA developed the portal frame for wall bracing to help provide segments as narrow as 16 inches that can be counted toward the overall bracing percentage required by the code. These recommendations are detailed in the new APA Technical Note: Portal Frame Bracing Without Hold-Down Devices for Use in Continuously Sheathed Walls, Form J740.

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APA recently released a new Technical Note that provides specification and installation recommendations for panel subfloors to be used under hardwood flooring.

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APA has updated two publications pertaining to glued laminated timber (glulam) design specifications and layup combinations.

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APA recently released a new Technical Note entitled, Technical Note: Temporary Construction Loads Over I-joist Roofs and Floors, Form J735. This new technical note provides recommendations for proper placement of heavy loads in a partially completed light-framed structure to prevent damage to the structure and/or injury to the work crew.

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