Laboratory Tests Evaluate Design Values of Thermo-Ply® Red
Product Advisory
Published design values for Thermo-Ply® Red, a flexible structural sheathing product, report a unit shear capacity that is higher than that of 15/32-inch thick wood structural panel sheathing. While use of the product as exterior wall sheathing is limited, the high design properties claimed by the manufacturer raised a question related to the safety and reliability of designs in which the product is used.
This publication is designed for: engineers, architects, designers, code officials
Tests were performed at two independent laboratories to measure the shear wall performance of the Thermo-Ply sheathing. This product advisory discusses the results of the testing, which indicates that the lateral load resistance using Thermo-Ply Red sheathing could be under-designed by 23-39%.
Key sections include:
Background
APA test series
Clemson University test series
References
Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.
