Advancements in Force Transfer Around Openings for Wood-Framed Shear Walls

Presented on: November 6, 2018

Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) is a popular method of shear wall analysis for wood-framed buildings. The use of FTAO analysis varies because published design examples typically assume the wall is symmetric around a single opening, and, until recently, this design method had not been tested. A joint research project between APA, University of British Columbia, and the USDA Forest Products Laboratory examined variations of shear walls with openings, resulting in the creation of rational design methodologies in accordance with the International Building Code. This session, presented by APA Engineered Wood Specialist Alese Ashuckian, will focus on asymmetric piers and multiple openings. The session will also provide an overview of APA’s free design tool, intended to help engineers and code officials in the design and implementation of FTAO shear walls with up to three openings.

Speaker: Alese Ashuckian, PE, LEED AP

Alese is an Engineered Wood Specialist for APA – The Engineered Wood Association. Her duties include consulting with designers and builders on the efficient specification of engineered wood products in construction. A licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California, Alese graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a BS in Architectural Engineering and a minor in Sustainable Environments. She is an active member of the Structural Engineers Association of California. Prior to joining APA, Alese worked as a structural engineer in San Francisco.