Per the International Building Code (IBC), structures using wood shear walls and diaphragms to resist wind and seismic lateral loads shall be designed and constructed in accordance with AWC’s Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS). This article will discuss the 2015 SDPWS and participants will learn about format of the SDPWS as well as how to apply design provisions to shear walls and diaphragms as well as changes from previous editions.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, participants will:

1. Be familiar with 2015 SDPWS updates to referenced standards
2. Be familiar with the significant changes between the 2008 and 2015 SDPWS
3. Be familiar with consistencies with ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
4. Be able to determine where to obtain the 2015 SDPWS and other resources