Wood portal frame systems have been identified by engineers and builders as a viable option to meet the increasing demand for larger structures, wider openings, and open concept design. In order to develop construction details for portal frames so that they can be integrated into a light wood frame structure containing wood shear walls, there is a need to better understand the behavior of such systems. This study has two main goals: to investigate the behavior of light wood based portal frames and improve on their behavior so that they can be used as a substitute to light frame shearwalls with wood sheathing panels; and to develop high capacity portal frame bracing systems for use in mid-rise wood construction. Based on the preliminary test results and numerical analysis, it was found that the wall height has a significant impact on the performance of portal frame walls; for walls with different types and locations of metal strap, it is found that the tensile strength of metal straps has the highest impact on the lateral load capacities of portal frame walls; and that the walls with sheathing attached on both sides of the framing have approximately 30% higher lateral load capacities and stiffness than the walls with sheathing attached on one side of the framing. The next phase of the research program will be focused on developing other alternative high-capacity bracing systems that can be used in mid-rise timber construction.
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