Evaluation of Extended Wall OSB Sheathing Connection under Combined Uplift and Shear Loading for 24-inch Heel Trusses

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the performance of the extended wall structural panel connection in resisting combined uplift and shear forces at the roof-to-wall interface with a focus on a truss heel height of 24 in. to address the expected increases in the depth of attic insulation used in Climate Zones 5 and higher. Five full-size roof-wall assemblies were constructed with extended oriented strandboard (OSB) wall sheathing and each was tested under a different loading combination. Our test results indicate that using extended wood structural panel wall sheathing as the primary connecting element (without additional connecting hardware) at the roof-to-wall interface of energy trusses can provide a continuous load path in both the shear and uplift directions and can be considered a viable option for residential construction in most areas of the country. The overturning effects caused by increased truss heel heights up to 24 in. can be offset by additional face nails that attach the extended wood structural panel wall sheathing to the energy truss heel.

Citation

Kochkin, Vladimir; DeRenzis, Andrew; Wang, Xiping. 2014. Evaluation of Extended Wall OSB Sheathing Connection under Combined Uplift and Shear Loading for 24-inch Heel Trusses. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-233, 2014; 15 p.