Refined parametric models for wind load resistances of wood-frame walls

In a recent study by the author, the in-plane and out-of-plane wind load resistances of wood-frame walls were evaluated by using detailed finite element analysis. The analyses were performed by varying several design parameters and the effects of these parameters on the resistances were demonstrated. Based on the simulated responses, two parametric models were developed to calculate the in-plane and out-of-plane wind load resistances of wood-frame walls considering several design variables that affect the response of the walls significantly. However, the number of variables that can influence the resistances of wood-frame walls are numerous, and hence, it was very difficult to consider all the variables in the developed parametric models. In this study, several identified variables are considered which may produce different responses than those obtained from the parametric models developed. The effects of these variables were not considered while developing the parametric models. The study reported herein performs rigorous finite element analyses to address the influence of those unaccounted for variables and proposes modification factors to be used in the developed parametric models.