Abstract

This paper presented a modeling study on force transfer around openings (FTAO) in wood-frame shear walls detailed for FTAO. To understand the load transfer in the walls, this study used a finite-element model WALL2D, which is able to model individual wall components, including framing members, sheathing panels, oriented panel-frame nailed connections, framing connections, hold-down connections, and strap connections for reinforcing the corners of openings. The various wall models were validated through laboratory testing of 12 full-scale 2.44 x 3.66 m (8' x 12') shear wall configurations, which included a variety of opening types and sizes. At the wall design load level, the predicted strap forces around openings also agreed well with the test results, in contrast with four simplified analytical methods commonly used in designing shear walls with openings detailed for FTAO. This wall model thus presents a useful tool to check the accuracy of the simplified methods and develop a better understanding of the behavior of wood-frame shear walls with openings. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000592. (C) 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.