Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) Quiz

Once you have passed and submitted the quiz, you will receive your AIA or ICC Certificate of Completion.

Learning Objectives
Upon completing this training, attendees will be able to identify and describe:

Understand the role of APA's FTAO research history in the development of their FTAO calculator.
Discuss the main benefits of the design tool, key features and design capabilities.
Learn how to operate the APA FTAO calculator, including design inputs, outputs and producing the final product.
Identify the recent updates to APA's T555 Technical Note and the FTAO calculator to gain a comprehensive understanding of these resources.

1. Which of the following is an assumption of APA’s Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) Calculator?

The unit shear above and below the openings is equivalent
All the openings have the same height
The sheathing type entered by the user for the deflection calculations meets the required sheathing capacity value in the Design Output section
All of the above

2. On which FTAO method is APA’s calculator based?

Drag Strut Analogy
Cantilever Beam Analogy
Diekmann
The Unicorn Method

3. In APA’s testing, which FTAO method tested was found to be consistently un-conservative?

Drag Strut Analogy
Cantilever Beam Analogy
Diekmann
The Unicorn Method

4. Which of the following is true?

Based on APA testing, ‘C’-shaped wall sheathing panels can aid in FTAO tension force resistance
FTAO strapping above and below openings is required to be the full length of the wall
FTAO can only be used around a single opening
All of the above

5. The Aspect Ratio Factor applies to shear walls with aspect ratios greater than:

2:1
3.5:1
0
None of the above

6. What are the benefits to using APA’s FTAO calculator?

It allows for multiple openings
It selects the required wall sheathing thickness, nail size and nail spacing for you
It allows for asymmetric piers
Both A and C

7. What was the purpose of APA’s FTAO study?

Compare the accuracy of different FTAO design methodologies
Create a tool for designers to facilitate the use of FTAO
Develop a rational FTAO design methodology for adoption by codes and standards
All of the above

8. Which of the following shear walls cannot be analyzed using APA’s FTAO calculator?

A shear wall with OSB sheathing
A shear wall with plywood sheathing
A shear wall with a door opening
A shear wall designed for wind load utilizing the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method

9. What can be considered a reason for using an FTAO approach to shear wall design?

Design of a structure with limited areas for a lateral resistance system
It allows for narrower piers because the aspect ratio is calculated using the height of the adjacent opening instead of wall height
Hold-downs are not required with an FTAO shear wall
Both A and B

10. Which of the following is false?

The FTAO calculator can only be used for shear walls designed for seismic loads
The Special Design Provision for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS) limits FTAO pier lengths to a minimum of 24"
Based on APA’s research, the FTAO calculator allows a pier as narrow as 18", as long as the aspect ratio is less than 3.5:1 and all panel edges are blocked
APA’s FTAO calculator allows you to check your work by summing the shears vertically along each line

Continuing Education Offerings

APA's Wood University is an online education resource for engineered wood products and applications that is accredited by the American Institute of Building Design and the American Institute of Architects for continuing education credits.

APA's Regional Engineered Wood Specialists frequently offer in-person seminars or webinars for large groups. Learn More >

Other opportunities to earn continuing education credit can be found at:

APA Webinars
Education from American Wood Council
Architecture + Construction CE Center
Think Wood eLearning courses
WoodWorks' Upcoming Events

APA Product Support Contact Us Terms Of Use Site Map

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube