Mass Timber Systems for Lateral Loads

A structure composed strictly of beams and columns may be adequate to carry gravity loads, but without bracing or other means, it will lack the ability to resist lateral loads. This chapter discusses different types of mass timber lateral systems and the fundamentals of their design. Lateral loads are those that act horizontally on buildings. High winds can generate substantial loads within a structure. Seismic forces are generated in buildings when the ground moves during an earthquake. Vertical ground motion also occurs during earthquakes, leading to vertical seismic forces in buildings. The effective transfer of lateral forces between lateral force-resisting systems elements is fundamentally reliant on well-designed connections. Diaphragm stiffness is influenced by the materials and composition of the diaphragm as well as its aspect ratio.