top plate attachment

[wailuku]

Framing clips (e.g. Simpson a34 clips) are used to transfer shear from a roof/floor to the shearwall below. I have typically seen on plans that these framing clips should be spaced througout the length of the shearwall.

My question is this: Shouldn't these framing clips be spaced not only above the shearwall, but above the entire shear line (above openings and all)? Since the shear from the roof/floor is transferred from the diaphragm to the blocking to the framing clip to the double top plate (the strut/cord) and finally into the shearwall.

 

[JAE]

If the clips are used to transfer shear from the roof diaphragm to a continuous collector, they should be spaced along the "collector" - the entire ength of the wall.

If the clips are used to transfer shear from a collector (that already has the diaphragm shear in it from some other means) to the shearwall, then the clips are only required over the shearwall.

 

[AlohaBob]

YES

Shear nail the roof ply into the blocks. In any case. Use code prescribed plywood perimeter nailing. For High shears use the a34 a35 block to plate. Then plywood edge nail the wall sheathing to the plate block joint for a continuous loadpath. This far anyhow. SOmetimes for low shear, you may be able to use the truss clip itself to transfer the loads. The blocks are still required to prevent tipping the trusses or bending the shear block at the end.

Keep it simple.