The APA Help Desk and some APA regional field representatives have noted an increased number of inquiries about availability of Structural I panel sheathing from areas (e.g. north eastern U.S.) that would not typically be considered active markets for Structural I sheathing. As a specialized structural panel, Structural I sheathing has not commonly been readily available in all market regions.
Unfortunately 2009 IBC (in at least the first and second printings) TABLE 2306.3 WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEAR WALLS unintentionally omits several panel thicknesses (3/8, 7/16, 15/32 and 19/32-inch) from the Sheathing, plywood siding except Group 5 Species panel grade section. This unintentional omission is acknowledged by ICC staff and an errata is in the works.
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.
A new American National Standard for engineered wood panel siding, Standard for Performance-Rated Engineered Wood Siding (ANSI/APA PRP-210), was approved for acceptance into the 2012 International Codes at the 2009 Code Development Hearings in Baltimore, MD. The standard was developed by APA under the consensus process of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and was approved for publication by ANSI in December 2008.
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.
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.
Question: An interesting situation has come up where some engineers are being told that the International Building Code (IBC) no longer allows horizontal diaphragms where sheathing panels are applied with the long axis parallel to framing as is the case with panelized roof assemblies.
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.
APA recently released a new Technical Note that provides specification and installation recommendations for panel subfloors to be used under hardwood flooring.
Engineered wood is the building material that flexes with your imagination offering a wide range of options for nearly any building type. This webinar will discuss the innovative use of glulam in a spectacular cathedral in Oakland, California and a wood-framed elementary school in Texas that exceeded all expectations for economy and aesthetics.
The construction experts at APA and WoodWorks offer this free online course which qualifies for a one-hour HSW credit through AIA and AIBD.
APA - The Engineered Wood Association, the Composite Panel Association (CPA) and the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (HPVA) will present How to Use and Specify Structural Panels, Composites and Veneers at the 2008 International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) in Atlanta on August 20, 2008.
