Anchor Tiedown System for Shearwall Overturning Restraint
A continuous load path is integral to a building's structural performance. Directing the diaphragm loads from roofs, floors and walls to the foundation in a prescribed continuous path is a widely accepted method to prevent shearwall overturning. The installation of continuous rod systems has grown in popularity with the increase in mid-rise (3- to 6-story) construction. Specifying a Strong-Rod™ Anchor Tiedown System (ATS) for shearwall overturning restraint from Simpson Strong-Tie offers several other advantages for Specifiers and installers alike:
- An ATS restraint provides the high load capacities required for mid-rise construction
- Design of lumber in tension is not required
- Steel tension elements of your system can be designed for the Specifier by Simpson Strong-Tie® Engineering Services
- Wood compression components of the shearwall system can be designed for the Specifier by Simpson Strong-Tie Engineering Services
- Engineering Services can perform checks to ensure that your plans have the optimally designed system
- Our knowledge of rod system performance through years of testing ensures that all system design considerations have been met
Beyond the tension and compression aspects of a continuous rod tiedown system, wood shrinkage must also be addressed. In these types of structures, shrinkage and settlement can create a gap between the steel nut and bearing plate on the wood sole or top plate. This can cause the system not to perform as designed and can add to system deflection. As a result, take-up devices must be used at each level to mitigate any gap creation and ensure optimum system performance.
Also see: ATS versus URS