APA Blog for Professional Associates - Code

Unexpected Increase in Structural I Sheathing Specifications

Wed, 12 May 2010 08:40:00 -0700

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.

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Typographical Error in 2009 IBC Wood Structural Panel Shear Wall Table 2306.3

Tue, 11 May 2010 14:29:00 -0700

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.

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Engineering Magazine Features Wind-resistant Wood Design

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0700

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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Engineered Wood Siding Standard Approved for Reference in the 2012 International Codes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:22:00 -0700

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.

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Guide to 2009 IRC Lateral Bracing Provisions Published by APA and ICC

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:28:00 -0700

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 Wall Sheathing Brochures Published by APA

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:26:00 -0700

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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Help Desk Question: Confusion about diaphragm panel axis

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:45:00 -0700

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.

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Portal Frame Bracing Without Hold-Down Devices

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:18:00 -0700

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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Technical Note: APA Performance Rated Panel Subfloors under Hardwood Flooring

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:33:00 -0700

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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Wood Design Flexibility Webinar: Low-Rise to High-Rise

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:57:00 -0700

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.

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APA to Present Technical Seminar at 2008 IWF

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:09:00 -0700

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.

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2008 APA Publications Index Now Available

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:15:00 -0700

The APA Publications Index, Form B300 NN, has been updated. The revised 2008 index provides a complete listing of APA design and construction guides, product guides, builder tips, case histories, industrial publications and other materials available from the Association.

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Interpretation of IBC Section 2308.12.4 bracing requirements in SDC D & E

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:37:00 -0700

I’m trying to understand if alternate braced walls are permitted in SDC 'D' in the 2006 IBC and have two questions.

Question 1: Footnote “a” of Table 2308.12.4 requires that the bracing have a h/w ratio not exceeding 2:1, so are the alternates per Section 2308.9.3.1 and 2308.9.3.2 permitted?

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Help Desk Question: Should I-joists be treated at soffit/eave locations?

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:18:00 -0700

Question: What approved methods of weatherization exist for I-joists that are extended for soffit and eave locations on a roof structure? Do you need to have an enclosed soffit and eave, or can they be painted?

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Register Today for Upcoming APA Webinar

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:58:00 -0700

Join APA's knowledgeable engineered wood specialists for an informative webinar, Design Low-Rise Structures and K-12 with Wood, October 25 at 2 p.m. EDT.

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