Presentation Based On:

Diaphragm With Openings

Presentation updated to 2015 IBC, ASCE 7-10

2015 SDPWS
Copyright McGraw-Hill, ICC

By: R. Terry Malone, PE, SE

Presented by: Senior Technical Director
Architectural & Engineering
Solutions

terrym@woodworks.org
 Course Description
It is common for the building code and standards to require analysis and
detailing for various aspects of design without providing comprehensive
guidance on how it might be done. For example, addressing diaphragm
openings in that occur every day in building design. When do openings
require detailed analysis? What do you do if an opening exists at one
edge/end of the diaphragm? Through live calculation examples, this
presentation will help engineers and structural designers
determine when detailed analysis is necessary, introduce
and compare two different methods of analysis and
translate the analysis into practical detailing
considerations.

This presentation is
intended for structural
engineers.

Reference Codes
and Standards
Learning Objectives
• Effects of Opening Sizes on Analysis Requirements
Understand when the size of an opening requires a detailed
analysis and when it can be ignored.

• Method of Analysis For Interior Openings

Learn two different methods of analysis used to analyze large
interior openings in diaphragms

• Distribution of Forces Around an Opening

Understand how the stiffness of the diaphragm sections around
the opening can effect the distribution of forces.

• Method of Analysis For End Openings

Learn how to analyze openings in diaphragms that occur at the
support wall lines.
 Diaphragms With Large Openings
Interior and End Openings
Type 3 Horizontal Irregularity-SDC D-F-Diaphragm Discontinuity Irregularity.
Diaphragm discontinuity irregularity exists where there is an abrupt discontinuity or variation in
stiffness, including a cut-out or open area greater than 50% gross enclosed diaphragm area, or a
change in effective diaphragm stiffness of more than 50% from one story to the next.
ASCE 7-10 Section 12.3.3.4 (SDC D-F) -
Horizontal irregularity Type 3 requires a
25% increase in the diaphragm design
1 2 3 4 Diaph. 5 forces determined from 12.10.1.1 (Fpx) for
C.L. w plf the following elements:
• Connections of diaphragm to vertical
A elements and collectors (diaphragm
collector collector
supporting elements).
B
• Collectors and their connections to
vertical elements.
Exception: Forces using the seismic
load effects including the over-strength
collector collector
C factor of Section 12.4.3 need not be
D increased.

Diaphragm shears are not • Use of over-strength forces is not

required to be increased 25%. commonly considered to be triggered
for boundary elements at diaphragm
openings. However, the 25% increase
does apply.
 Roof pop-up section
with opening below.

Skylight or atrium opening

Clerestory windows

End opening

Stairwell access
to roof

Common Openings In Diaphragms

 Openings in
diaphragm

Harrington Recovery Center

Structural engineer: Pujara Wirth Torke, Inc.
Photographer: Curtis Walz
 Interior Openings

1 2 3 4 Diaph. 5
C.L. w plf

A
B

C
D
IBC 2305.1.1
Openings in shear panels that Local Local
materially effect their strength shears shears
shall be fully detailed on the higher lower
plans and shall have their edges
adequately reinforced to transfer Basic Shear Diagram
all shear stresses.

FPInnovations
Design example: Designing for
openings in wood diaphragm

It is strongly recommended that analysis for a Location and Magnitude of Shear

diaphragm with an opening should be carried out
except where all four of the following items are
satisfied:
a. Depth no greater than 15% of diaphragm depth;
b. Length no greater than 15% of diaphragm length;
c. Distance from diaphragm edge to the nearest Stairwells
opening edge is a minimum of 3 times the larger Elevators
opening dimension;
d. The diaphragm portion between opening and
diaphragm edge satisfies the maximum aspect
ratio requirement. (all sides of the opening)

Most openings of any significant

size should be checked. Size of opening
Affect of Size and location in Diaphragm
 L
Opening size is not a factor if: External loads are not
included in the check.
1. Calculated strap length does not The unit shears in upper 𝑯
exceed L or H section are constant vert. Lh 𝑭𝒗 = 𝒗𝟒
𝟐
2. Shear does not increase beyond and horiz. across upper
nailing capacity section

Collector
v v2
v Lv
L L Collector
Collector
Upper Lower
Bound Bound
H 𝑭𝒉 = 𝒗𝟐𝑳 𝑳
v1 𝑭𝒉 = 𝒗𝟐 v4 v4 H
for left 𝟐
H Opening Steel straps collector for right
and blocking collector

v3

IBC/Diekmann

Minimum recommended
steel strap lengths if
opening size is not a
factor.
1. 2015 IBC Section 2308.4.4.1: If opening > 4 ft. use Figure
2308.4.4.1(1)
• 16 ga. X 1 ½” x L or H strap w/ (16)16d or engineered
2. Diekmann, ATC-7: Rule of thumb as shown above.

Diekmann Method Of Checking If Opening Size Is A Factor

 2 External loads not 2 Pattern nailing has to
increase-n.g. 2
included in check,
480 plf Nail capacity 480 plf
has to increase
10’ 180 150 318plf 10’ 360 300 318 plf n.g. 10’ 360 150
𝟏𝟐
𝑨. 𝑹. = 𝟏𝟎 1080 lb 2160 lb 2160 lb
150 300 150
=1.2:1 10’ 10’
6’ 6’
60’ 60’ 35’ 318 plf 60’

180 150 360 300 150

6’
40’ 318 plf 318 plf 40’ 318 plf 318 plf

180 150 360 300 15’

360 150

C.L. opening v=150 plf C.L. opening v=300 plf v=150 plf

𝟏𝟓𝟎(𝟏𝟎) 𝟑𝟎𝟎(𝟏𝟎) 𝟏𝟓𝟎(𝟑𝟓)

𝑭𝑽 = = 𝟕𝟓𝟎 𝐥𝐛 𝑭𝑽 = = 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐥𝐛 𝑭𝑽 = = 𝟐𝟔𝟐𝟓 𝐥𝐛
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
𝟕𝟓𝟎 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟔𝟐𝟓
𝑳𝑽 = = 𝟓. 𝟒𝟑′ < 𝟏𝟎′ 𝑳𝑽 = = 12.5’ > 10’ n.g. 𝑳𝑽 = = 𝟐𝟏. 𝟖𝟖𝟓′ < 𝟑𝟓′
𝟑𝟏𝟖 − 𝟏𝟖𝟎 o.k. 𝟒𝟖𝟎 − 𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝟒𝟖𝟎 − 𝟑𝟔𝟎 But > depth
Lower 𝑭𝑯 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝟔 = 𝟐𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝐥𝐛 Lower 𝑭𝑯 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝟔 = 𝟐𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝐥𝐛 Lower
𝑭𝑯 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝟔 = 𝟏𝟎𝟖𝟎 𝐥𝐛
bound bound bound
𝟏𝟎𝟖𝟎 𝟐𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝟐𝟏𝟔𝟎
𝑳𝑯 = = 𝟔. 𝟒𝟐′ < 𝟏𝟐′ 𝑳𝑯 = = 𝟏𝟐𝟎′ > 𝟏𝟐′ n.g. 𝑳𝑯 = = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟖𝟓′ > 𝟏𝟐′
𝟑𝟏𝟖 − 𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝟑𝟏𝟖 − 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝟑𝟏𝟖 − 𝟏𝟓𝟎 n.g.
o.k.
Opening is not a factor Opening is a factor Opening is a factor
12’ L x 10’ H Opening 12’ L x 10’ H Opening 12’ L x 35’ H Opening
Located at low shear Located at high shear Located at low shear
Check If Size and Location of Opening In Diaphragm Is A Factor
 M V

M M=0

Some examples apply load to

one side of the diaphragm only
1 2 3 4 5
I.P.
A
W
T .
B C V V C
T
C
T .
C V C
D
V
T
I.P.
R
C.L. Vierendeel truss R
Local forces
opening action
Chord forces are assumed
to be zero at these locations
due to contraflexure
(inflection points). M=0

Displacement and Local Forces

 Shear distribution
follows analysis

Shear Distribution in Diaphragm

 Opening
A/R A/R
Opening
A/R A/R Easy to visualize if header
section is replaced by a wire.
Analyze by envelope method:
• Diaph. with opening
• Diaphragm w/ interior offset

ATC 7, Diekmann, FPInnovations

A/R If the sections above, below or on
each side of the opening does not
Transfer meet code aspect ratio limits it
Opening Diaphragm should be ignored (not stiff enough).
(TD)
Transfer diaphragms are
A/R A/R A/R required if the opening
size does affect the shear
TD TD or tension capacity of the
diaphragm.

All sections must meet Code

required aspect ratios.

Aspect Ratio Issues

 3
Inflection Typical method of analysis (APA Report 138),
1 2 4 5 Diaph. ATC-7, and FPInnovations
w plf point.
F4 C.L.
F2 F3
A 1. Calculate the chord forces at grid lines 2, 3,
Element II Element I and 4 using FBD’s.
B 2. Determine the basic diaphragm shears
F=0 without an opening.
Opening 3. Determine the diaphragm shears with an
TD1 TD2 opening.
F=0
C 4. Break the sections above and below the
Element IV Element III opening into elements as shown.
D 5. Determine the local forces at each corner
F2 F3 F4 of each segment by FBD’s.
R 6. Determine the net resulting shears and
M 2  0 M 3  0 M 4  0 forces (+/-) by combing the shears with
V1 and without an opening using a table .
V2
V3
Using the visual shear transfer method
V4
V5
1. Determine shear (V4) at grid line 4.
Basic shear diagram without openings 2. Break the sections above and below the
V2R opening into elements as shown.
V1 V2L V3 3. Calculate the chord force at grid line 3.
V4L
4. Starting at grid line 4 and moving to the left,
V4R sum forces at each corner of each segment
V5
to determine the local forces, by FBD’s.
5. Calculate all chord, collector forces, and
Basic Shear Diaphragm With Opening transfer diaphragm shears and forces
using the visual shear transfer method.
Opening Analysis-Diekmann method
Example - Pop-up Roof Section
A/R main diaphragm and upper
section=3.33:1 1 2 3 4 5 Diaph. 6
A/R TD1=TD2=3.0:1 o.k. C.L.
W=200 plf W=200 plf
Wind Loads (ASD) W=123 plf
Main A
W=200 plf W=50 plf

12’
At opening B

1600 lb
1600 lb
Open to

20’
Ww=123 plf
Lw=77 plf below
C

60’
At pop-up (20 psf)
TD1 W=30 plf TD2
Ww=50 plf
Lw=30 plf

28’
1 2 3

W=200 plf D
W=123 plf
13280 W=77 plf
A RL=25120 RR=21280
W=50 plf F3A 20’ 40’ 20’
B 200’
1600 lb

Sub-Chord
V=25120

V=19520

V=6720

V=2720
V=21120

V=8320
V=13920

Sub-Chord
C

TD1 W=30 plf v2R

v1 v2L v3 8’
v4L SW

𝚺𝑴 = 𝟎 F3D v4R v5
D v6 Open to
13280 below
W=77 plf Basic Shear Diaphragm With Opening (plf)
RL=25120
 3 4
External loads not 𝟔𝟕𝟐𝟎
Wwind 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 = = 𝟏𝟏𝟐 𝐩𝐥𝐟
used in rough calc., 𝟔𝟎
except SW reaction 𝟖𝟑𝟐𝟎
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 = = 𝟐𝟎𝟖 𝐩𝐥𝐟 (includes 1600 lb.)
𝟒𝟎
Upper limit 318 plf 318 plf
12’
8320 lb 208 112 𝟏𝟏𝟐(𝟐𝟎)
𝑭𝑽 = = 𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐥𝐛
𝟐
20’ 4160 lb
𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟎 Also < 12’ header
112 𝑳𝑽 = = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟐 < 𝟐𝟎 𝐨. 𝐤.

1600 lb
𝟑𝟏𝟖 − 𝟐𝟎𝟖 depth, o.k.
20’
𝑭𝑯 = 𝟐𝟎𝟖 𝟐𝟎 = 𝟒𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝐥𝐛 Lower bound
112 60’ for right collector
40’ 𝟒𝟏𝟔𝟎
𝑳𝑯 = = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟐 < 𝟒𝟎′ 𝒐. 𝒌. ≈ DTD
C.L. 𝟑𝟏𝟖 − 𝟏𝟏𝟐
opening Detailed analysis is not required
208 112 However, a check for the upper bound (left side of
FPInnovations: opening will produce :
• Increased nailing
V4R=6720 lb
V4L=8320 lb

Hgt.> 0.15 dDiaph. 28’

318 plf
Width>0.15 Ldiaph.
End dist.< 3x width
Detailed analysis required
208
112
Shears w/ opening
318 plf • Vertical and horizontal collector lengths >
opening width and height
Therefore, a detailed analysis is required
v= 419 plf, nail cap.= 480 plf
Use 8d @ 4/6/12 Blocked, H.F.
v= 352 plf, nail cap.= 358 plf
Use 8d @ 6/6/12 Blocked, H.F.
v= 112 plf
318 plf all
nail cap.= 318 plf
Use 8d @ 6/12 Unblocked, H.F.

40’ W x 20’ H Opening Basic Shear Diaphragm Without Opening (plf)

Nailing Pattern (ASD Values)
Check If Size and location of Opening in Diaphragm is Critical
 200 plf 123 plf 200 plf Diaph.
123 plf
C.L.
A F2A 13280 lb F4A
470 lb F3A 20340 lb

(496.3 plf)
(784.6 plf)

(208 plf)
2496 lb

(112) plf)
2496 lb
(352 plf)

(496.3plf)
9416 lb

5956 lb
9416 lb

5956 lb
Element II Element I
12’
+ +
B F2B F4B
0 0
1600 lb 12810 lb Sub-Chord 7076 lb 1600 lb
50 plf 50 plf
SW 1 Start here
𝚺𝑴 = 𝟎 𝚺𝑴 = 𝟎
20’ TD1
𝚺𝑽 = 𝟎
TD2

30 plf 30 plf
F2C Sub-Chord
C 0 0 F4C
6453 lb 20’ 20’ 4924 lb
(360.9 plf)

(284.4 plf)
(284.4 plf)

(208 plf)

(112) plf)
7964 lb

7964 lb

5824 lb

5824 lb
(352 plf)

10104 lb
10104 lb

Element IV Element III

28’
+ +
20’ F2D F3D F4D 20’
D
6827 lb 𝚺𝑴 = 𝟎 13280 lb 𝚺𝑴 = 𝟎 18204 lb
RL=25120 lb 77 plf 77 plf
V1 V2 V3 V4L=8320 lb V4R=6720 lb
1 2 3 4 5
V4  5824  2496 
The sum of the section
V2  10104  9416  1600  21120 Lb shears must match the
112(60)  1600  8320 Lb
V3  7964  5956  13920 Lb basic diaphragm shear
Values without an
opening, ∑V=0.
Free-body of Chord Forces and Segment Forces
 Method of Analysis References

Example Offset Diaphragms and Shear Walls

Offset Diaphragms

Information on Website

• Webinar Archive- Offset Diaphragms -Part 1

• Webinar Archive- Offset Shear Walls-Part 2
• Slide Archive-Workshop-Advanced Diaphragm Analysis
• Slide Archive-Offset Diaphragms and Shear Walls

Wood Solution Paper

 The Visual Shear Transfer Method
How to visually show the distribution of shears through the diaphragm

+ Sheathing element symbol

for 1 ft x 1 ft square piece of
sheathing in static equilibrium FY Lds.
(typ.) +M

FX

Positive + -
Direction
+ -
Transverse Direction (shown)

Shears Applied to Sheathing Elements

+
Transfer + -
shears

Unit shear acting on sheathing element (plf)

Unit shear transferred from the sheathing
element into the boundary element (plf)

Shears Transferred Into Boundary Elements

 1 Diaphragm 2
C.L.
w=uniform load

A
+ -
SW C
Resisting
wall SW 1 + - Strut in
(+) Compr.
shears
(-) C
T Strut in (-) Diaphragm shear transferred
tension into boundary element (typ.) SW 3
Resisting
+ wall
-
Strut in shears (+)
1 ft. x 1 ft. square sheathing
C comp. element symbol at any location
T
in the diaphragm.
Resisting (-) Strut in
+ - (-)
wall (+) SW 2 tension
shears T
B
Strut Forces SW Strut Forces
Support Maximum Support
Positive sign moment
convention - Negative diaph.
Pos. shear elements
Positive diaph. Neg.
+ Basic Shear Diagram
shear elements
All edges of a diaphragm shall be supported by a boundary element (chord, strut, collector) or
other vertical lateral force resisting element (shear wall, frame).
Shear Distribution Into a Simple Diaphragm
The Visual Shear Transfer Method
 Method of Analysis-Method by Edward F. Diekmann
T(a)
1 2 3 VA= , Shear = VA
LTD DTD
Main -75 plf
A C
Chord (TD support) chord -

vnet=+300-(75)= +225 plf

Subtract

Transfer diaphragm length

vnet =+225–(75)= +150 plf from basic
shears
The transfer diaph.
Aspect Ratio should

b
SW be similar to the TD1
Collector

Collector

LTD

LTD
main diaphragm.

Chord force at Add to basic

vnet =+225 +(250)
discontinuity diaphragm
= +475 plf
shears
Disrupted Collector T
B T
chord

a
vnet=+300+(250)= +550 plf +
(TD support) Main
C T
chord +250 plf
No outside force VC
TD depth T(b)
No outside force is changing the VC= , Shear =
DTD LTD DTD
is changing the +500 +300 basic diaphragm
basic diaphragm plf plf shear in this area Transfer Diaphragm Shears
+ +225 +225 Analogous to a beam with a
shear in this area plf plf concentrated Load.
Basic Shear Diagram at transfer diaphragm
 1 2 3
20’

w 7236.6 lb
A
Neg.

784.6
-
12810 lb -361
B
12810 lb
418.7-361=+57.7
352-361=-9

418.7+278.7=+639.7 +278.7 Pos.

352+278.7= +630.7
T.D.1
1600 lb
352-44=+308

6453 lb
C
360.9 6453 lb

Neg.

418.7-44=+374.7 -44
360.9

D
20’ 879.6 lb
+374.7
418.7 Transfer diaphragm shears
+ - 352

Sign convention
Basic Shear Diagram Net Shears-Left Transfer Diaphragm
 vnet=112-168.2 4 5
=-56.2 plf w
3363 lb
A
Neg.
7076 lb -168.2
45.33 B
7076 lb
vnet=45.33-168.2
45.33
=-122.8 plf
vnet=112+185.7
+185.7 =+297.7 plf
vnet=45.33+185.7
Pos. 1600 lb =+231.02 plf
TD2

vnet=112-60.55 45.33
=+51.45plf vnet=45.33-60.55
=-15.22 plf
4924 lb
C
4924 lb
45.33
Neg.
-60.55
45.33
D
1211 lb 20’
Transfer diaphragm shears
+112
+ - +45.33
Sign convention

Net Shears-Right Transfer Diaphragm Basic Shear Diagram

 1 2 3

57.7 9 w
A
9 784.6
697.3 630.7
C
B
C
630.7
F=9524 lb
F=12800 lb

1600 lb
F=6453 lb
TD1

630.7
T
C

697.3 630.7 T 308 360.9

F=1476 lb
347.7 308
308 360.9
D

+ -

Sign convention
Collector Force Diagrams-Left Side
 56.2 122.8
3 3.6 4
2.67’ 2.83’
297.7 231.03
w
A
2496
F=7076 lb
56.15 122.8 45.33
T B

T C
297.7 231.03 45.33
F=3170 lb F=2018 lb
1600 lb

TD2

F=4384 lb

297.7 231.03 45.33

C T
C
C
51.45 15.22 45.33
F=1696 lb
5824

F=4924 lb
51.45 D 15.22 45.33

297.7 231.03
Collector Force + -

51.45 15.22 Diagrams-Right Side Sign convention

 -12.15 lb Aver.=640.5

+498.9 lb Aver.=352.2 Aver.=89.5

1 2 3 4 5 Closes to
zero
13.6’ 106.4’
A
57.67 9 784.6 496.3 496.3 208 56.2 122.8 45.33 0
C

F=486.7 lb
470 F=13295 lb F=18550 lb 18868
F=18858 lb
13280 F=20340 lb
20340

F=18206 lb
18204 F=18876 lb 18868
F=13282 lb F=18568 lb
13280
F=6829 lb
6827
T
374.9 308 360.9 284.4 284.4 208 51.45 15.22 45.33 0
D
20’ 40’ 20’
Aver.=352.2 -34.75 lb
+397 lb Closes to
zero
Aver.=341.5 Aver.=322.65

Chord Force Diagrams

 1 2 3 4 5

B C T C
C T

SW 1 TD1 TD2 SW 2

C T C T
T C

Final Strut/Chord Force Diagrams

 End Openings

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Diaph. 5
C.L. w plf

A A
B B

Does not
meet A/R
(Envelope)
C C
D D
Example 7- Intermediate Horizontal Offset at End Wall With Strut
1 2 3 4
w1 plf (WW) w plf

A
Chord
w1
SW 1 12’ 1 2
TD1 A
Section A A/R=3.73
V3A
+ B F2B
10’ Collector Section A
B Chord Uniform shear Sum
Collector

Collector
in walls and in
Strut

Skylight Shears SW 3 56’

18’ diaph. at grid
w2
(Enclosed area) line 1
Chord C F2C
C V3B
Collector
D
+
SW 2 16’ Section B
Section B R1
16’ 15’ Chord
D

w2 plf (LW)
150’

Varies Diaph.
+ C.L.

Basic Shear Diagram

-
 1 1 2 3

VA
A
Net Shear

-
SW 1

Neg.
T
vdiaph

T
C F2B
C T
B
transferred
No shear

Strut
Strut

Pos.
C
SW 3
+
C C
T F2C
Net Shear

Neg.
SW 2
-

D
VD
Net shear Transfer
diagram diaphragm
shears
Support Support

Resulting Strut, Collector and Chord Force Diagrams if Strut

Example 8 -Intermediate notch at End Wall Without Strut
1 2 3 4
W=200 plf
W=123 plf
A
Chord W=123
SW 1 1 2
12’ Section A TD1
6428 lb A
V=6831.6 lb
A/R=3.73
if strut 22’ v=310.5 plf
(-38%) 10’ + 16’
B
Chord Collector F2B=5684.4 lb
B
R1B=8800 lb

Collector

Collector
8800 lb Section A
56’ R1B=8800 lb Open +6200 lb SW 3
(v=400 plf) 18’ W=77
area 15000 lb 1 2
F2C=5584 lb
Shear in C
C
Chord
diaphragm 16’ V=4968.4 lb
Collector at grid line 2 16’
D v=310.5 plf
SW 2 + Is based on
8571 lb 16’ depth
R1D=6200 lb
if strut Section B
(+38%) Section B 119’
D
16’ 15’ Chord
V=11800 lb

V=8800 lb

W=77 plf
150’ Forces in red are from
R1D=6200 lb Sum
(V=387.5 plf) Shears previous example
Diaph. R=15000 lb
Shear + C.L.
Basic Shear Diagram
Varies
+210.7 plf
+310.5 plf

+157.1 plf

R=15000 lb -
 1 2 3 2 3

1855.8
A
-123.7 +310.5 87 +157.1
SW 1 v=210.7-(123.7) v=157.1-(123.7)

Neg.
= +87 plf = +33.4 plf

F2B=5684.4 33.4
B
465.9
R1B

Pos.
v=210.7+(255.24) v=157.1+(255.24)
+255.2 412.3
= +465.9 plf = +412.3 plf
C F2C=5584
93.7

Neg.
SW 2 v=210.7-(117) v=157.19-(117)
= +93.7 plf = +40 plf -117
+310.5 40 +157.1
D 1755.4
Transfer diaphragm Transfer Transfer Forces
R1D diaphragm
varies
net shears to Collectors
shears
+310.5 plf
+210.7 plf
+157.1 plf + -
+

Basic shear diagram Sign Convention

Transfer diaphragm and net diaphragm shears

 1 2 3

SW 1
12’
F=5684 lb

10’ 400 310.5 87 33.4

B
465.9 412.3 F=5584 lb
R1B F=5684 lb
18’
F=5584 lb SW 3
465.9 412.3
C
387.5 310.5 93.7 40

16’ SW 2

16’ 15’
D

R1D
Support

Longitudinal Chord Force Diagrams

 1 Vsw=8800 lb 2 3
vsw=733.33 plf
vnet=733.3-400=333.33 plf
A
+333.33 plf

SW 1 87 157.1
F=4000
33.4
F=4917 F=2271.4
-400 plf

87
400 310.5 33.4
B
F=1872.2
Net shear 465.9

diagram R1B=8800 412.3

465.9 157.1 SW 3
F=3469.2 412.3
C
93.7
387.5 310.5 157.1
Vsw=6200 lb 40
vsw=387.5 plf F=3469.2 F=1872.2 lb
93.7
vnet=0 plf
SW 2 40 157.1
D

R1D=6200 lb

Traverse Strut/Collector Force Diagrams

In summary:
Due to an increasing number of large openings in diaphragms
created by stairwells, atriums, and clerestory pop-ups, it is
increasingly important to review, design and properly detail
diaphragms with large openings.
Questions?
This concludes Our Webinar Presentation on
Diaphragms with openings

R. Terry Malone, P.E., S.E.

Senior Technical Director
WoodWorks.org

Contact Information:
terrym@woodworks.org
928-775-9119