Blocking or boundary member?
In my experience traveling across the country observing wood-framed construction, it was apparent that east of the Rocky Mountains, structural wood members in-line with supporting walls between roof framing cease to be installed. Some may call these wood members blocking and deem them as optional. And often in a humid environment, installation of these members may be ardently resisted in order to provide ample attic ventilation and prevent mold growth. It is important, however, to understand that this blocking creates the structural boundary members for the roof diaphragm and it is not optional.
Tabulated allowable diaphragm lateral design loads contained in the building code are based on testing of unblocked and blocked diaphragms (structural wood members used at intermediate sheathing edges to increase the shear load in the diaphragm). In all cases, a boundary member around the perimeter of the diaphragm, where the shear is the highest, was utilized. The boundary member in these tested assemblies was a minimum 2x structural member that collected the load from the diaphragm through the fasteners in the edge of the diaphragm. When a boundary member is missing, what other key element is also missing? That’s right, the fasteners! If a diaphragm boundary member and consequently sheathing fasteners are omitted, a weakened and unknown allowable roof diaphragm lateral load will exist.
Example
If the roof framing is spaced at 24 inches on center in the picture below, what is the fastener spacing in the direction of the shear load if there is no boundary member? Yep, pretty easy, 24 inches on center. So, what is the diaphragm allowable load with fasteners spaced at 24 inches on center? [For image: See PDF or View in Full Issue] The answer is unknown.
In addition to being a required structural member, the boundary member can be a big benefit when installed. There is an obvious direct connection between the roof diaphragm and lateral resisting system below (typically shearwalls) to transfer shear loads. Hurricane ties may be an alternative to transfer shear between the roof and wall, but the use of these connectors does not negate the need for the boundary member. Installing a boundary member will require additional detailing to attain the needed ventilation without compromising the structural integrity of the roof diaphragm.
Ventilation
Adequate attic ventilation can be developed through other detailing like holes and screens in the boundary member, orienting every third member horizontal, or gable end vents; but it cannot be a reason for eliminating the diaphragm boundary member.
One possible method to eliminate the boundary member in-line with the wall below may be to soffit the eaves and provide a structural fascia board that will receive the diaphragm fasteners. Proper detailing, like shown below [See PDF or View in Full Issue], and a structural soffit will be required to adequately transfer the shear in this method.
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The article, Why a Structural Boundary Member Between a Truss/Rafter is Not Optional, appeared first on Simpson Strong-Tie Structural Engineering Blog. To sign-up to receive the Engineering Blog in your inbox, go to seblog.strongtie.com/subscribe.
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