Design for Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO)

This webinar includes an overview of APA's free design tool, the Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) Calculator and explains how it can help engineers and code officials in the design implementation of FTAO shear walls. The presentation provides a quick review of code requirements for shear walls and focuses on code-accepted FTAO design methods. It also introduces APA’s FTAO research and findings on full-scale wall models and how the results influenced the development of the FTAO Calculator. APA deflection methodology, updates to APA’s Design for Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) Technical Note, Form T555, and a strap development length example are also covered. AIA and ICC credits available to participants. Learn more about the Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) method of shear wall analysis and get access to APA's FTAO Calculator at www.apawood.org/ftao. APA's Force Transfer Around Openings Calculator is an Excel-based tool for professional designers that uses FTAO methodology to calculate maximum hold-down force for uplift resistance, the required horizontal strap force for the tension straps above and below openings, the maximum shear force to determine sheathing attachment and the maximum deflection of the wall system. The calculator includes worksheets for shear walls with one, two and three openings and a design example. Learn more about engineered wood products and their applications at www.apawood.org.