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Lateral Load Connections for Low-Slope Roof Diaphragms

Data File

Large commercial wood roof systems must be designed to resist lateral forces from seismic events and high winds. As building codes have grown more demanding, connecting roof diaphragms to walls and transferring forces through the framing system has become increasingly complex and costly.

This publication is designed for: engineers, architects, designers, builders

This publication addresses those challenges by presenting practical connection strategies and design techniques that keep wood roof systems code-compliant, structurally sound, and economically competitive. It explains how roof diaphragms transfer seismic and wind-induced forces, introduces the subdiaphragm concept as a cost-saving design approach, and presents detailed connection hardware examples with typical lateral load capacities.

Key sections include:

  • Panelized roof systems

  • Lateral connection details

  • Design techniques and the subdiaphragm concept

  • Connection detail drawings

  • Subdiaphragm design example

  • Typical seismic load tables for zones 2A, 2B, 3 and 4

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.

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