Research Engineer

This paper describes a two-dimensional finite element model for analyzing vertical and horizontal wood diaphragms. development of this model is the formulation of a nonlinear finite element that accounts for the distribution and stiffness of fasteners con-necting the sheathing to the framing. A 16- by 48-ft horizontal diaphragm is analyzed with the model, and comparisons are made to displacements computed with a commonly used diaphragm deflec-tion equation. Central to th