Effect of Hold-Down Misplacement on Strength and Stiffness of Wood Shear Walls

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of misplaced hold-downs on the monotonic and cyclic behavior of wood shear walls. Three shear wall configurations were considered: (1) walls with hold-downs at the ends; (2) walls with one misplaced hold-down to the first interior stud; and (3) walls with misplaced hold-downs plus additional nailing applied to the stud attached to misplaced hold-downs. Results showed that misplaced hold-downs cause reductions in strength and absorbed energy. Specimens with misplaced hold-downs achieved strength values 42% lower under monotonic loading and 35% lower under cyclic loading when compared to the specimens with hold-downs at the ends. Specimens with misplaced hold-downs plus additional nailing reached an average strength that was 21% lower under monotonic loading and 19% lower under cyclic loading when compared to the specimens with hold-downs at the ends. Denser nail spacing applied to the stud with misplaced hold-downs significantly increased the amount of energy absorbed by the shear walls. The monotonic and cyclic test results showed that misplaced hold-downs have detrimental effects on the structural performance of wood shear walls. Application of denser nail spacing can help such walls regain strength.