Wind resistance of a narrow partially built house
This paper contains a wind load and resistance analysis for a type of structure that has frequently failed: partially built houses. The critical component of such structures is identified to be the first-storey shearwalls running across the house. The calculated racking strength of that storey is compared to the wind loading the structure would be expected to resist if it were engineered. Various methods are proposed for builders to provide these structures with more wind resistance during the early stages of construction. Differences between Canadian codes and codes in other jurisdictions with respect to this are pointed out. Key words: wind loads, houses, failure, wind bracing, temporary bracing, shearwalls, fibreboard, sheathing, permanent bracing, racking strength, construction procedures, nailing, building code.