Topic outline

  • Engineering Design of Shear Walls in Wood-Framed Single and Multi-Family Structures

    Credits: 7 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides a technical guide to the engineering principles, structural behavior, design methodology, and construction practices associated with shear walls in wood-framed residential buildings. Shear walls are the primary lateral force resisting elements in light-frame construction, and their performance under wind and seismic loading directly determines whether a building remains stable during extreme events. The course examines the mechanics of shear transfer, load paths, diaphragm interaction, code-based design approaches, and detailing requirements used in modern practice.

    Both single-family residential buildings and larger multi-family structures are addressed. Emphasis is placed on engineering judgment, proper detailing, and the failure mechanisms most commonly observed in post-disaster investigations. Where code provisions are discussed, the treatment reflects requirements of the International Residential Code, the International Building Code, and the American Wood Council's Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic.

    Topics:

    Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
    • Explain the structural purpose of shear walls within wood-frame buildings and their role in the lateral load resisting system.
    • Identify the components that form a wood structural shear wall assembly, and describe how forces are transferred through those elements.
    • Analyze the interaction between diaphragms, collectors, hold-downs, and shear walls to maintain a continuous load path.
    • Apply engineering design principles to calculate shear capacity, overturning resistance, and boundary element forces.
    • Interpret common building code provisions governing wood shear wall design, including IRC and IBC requirements.
    • Evaluate sheathing materials, fastener schedules, and framing layouts for their structural contribution to shear wall systems.
    • Diagnose common structural deficiencies and failure modes associated with improperly designed or constructed shear walls.
    • Assess how shear wall systems are adapted for multi-story and multi-family structures, including soft-story vulnerabilities.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
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    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion
    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil and structural engineers, construction engineers, forensic engineers, and building inspectors who are involved in the design, evaluation, or construction of wood-framed structures. A working knowledge of structural analysis fundamentals and familiarity with basic load concepts is assumed. The course is particularly relevant for engineers practicing in wind-prone or seismic regions, and for those who review or inspect light-frame residential construction.
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1