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FAQ: Does Verbiage about Shear Walls and Strap-Braced Walls Removed from S400-20 Still Apply?

Since the verbiage in S400-15, Sections E1.4.1.2 and E3.4.2, for shear walls and strap braced walls seems to have been removed from each assembly section in S400-20, would the requirement still apply?

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Each month, the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) publishes answers to questions about the design of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, which it receives through its 1-800-79STEEL hotline. Here’s a recent CFSEI FAQ.

CFSEI FAQ OF THE MONTH

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S400-20 vs. S400-15, Sections E1.4.1.2 and E3.4.2

Question

Since the verbiage in S400-15, Sections E1.4.1.2 and E3.4.2 for shear walls and strap braced walls, seems to have been removed from each assembly section in S400-20, would the requirement still apply?

Specifically, the reader writes: Just for my clarity as the verbiage change in S400-20 is not as direct as S400-15. The below verbiage just seems to be removed from each assembly section. Would the following still apply for shear walls and strap braced walls in S400-20? Also do you know of any published design examples following the steps of S400-20?

Cold Formed walls w/ Wood Sheathing (from S240-15):

Cold-formed steel (CFS) shear walls sheathed with wood (from S400-15).

Strap Braced Walls (from S240-15):

Cold-formed steel (CFS) strap braced walls (from S400-15).

Answer

To eliminate the repetitive listing of the various elements that require consideration of expected strength or overstrength, AISI S400-20 defined “capacity protected components.” Section B3 provides the design requirements for these components. Each SFRS has its own list of capacity protected components. For example, for wood structural panel shear walls, Section E1.4.1.2 lists the capacity protected components. The Commentary for Section E1.4.1.2 also discusses “Capacity Protected Components.”

Although, not based on AISI S400-20, AISI D113-19, Cold-Formed Steel Shear Wall Design Guide, illustrates the design procedure for the consideration of expected strength and overstrength. Determination of the overstrength factor, ΩE, is updated in S400-20, but application of the factor is as illustrated in D113-19.

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If you have any cold-formed steel (CFS) questions, contact CFSEI experts online or call CFSEI Hotline at 1.800.79STEEL.

Read more CFSEI “FAQ of the Month” questions and answers here:

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SFIA Receives ANSI Accreditation

On July 2, 2024, the Executive Standards Council of the American National Standards Institute, ANSI®, has approved the accreditation of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). As an ANSI-accredited standards development organization. SFIA assumes the management of certain cold-formed steel (CFS) framing standards previously managed by the American Iron and Steel Institute. These CFS standards will be governed by the newly formed SFIA Standards Committee and managed by SFIA Canvass Groups.

 

 

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1-800-79STEEL

The CFSEI Hotline from the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute receives inquiries about cold-formed steel (CFS) applications. Architects, engineers, building officials, students and contractors needing answers from respected experts can check “Ask an Expert” on the CFSEI website or call 1-800-79STEEL.

CFSEI is part of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), where its leadership as the industry’s key touchpoint for CFS design receives full support.

 

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