SR78A Racking resistance of bracing walls in low-rise buildings subject to earthquake attack: Volume 1 (January 1998)

This study forms an investigation into the wind and earthquake racking resistance of timber-framed bracing panels in New Zealand. It includes a revision to the current test protocol and a new test evaluation procedure.

This report outlines how wall bracing panels that develop slackness can rationally be used as a structural system to resist earthquake-induced ground motion. It is published in two volumes:

• Volume 1 (this report) stands alone and contains all aspects and recommended amendments of both the test protocol and the evaluation method)
• Volume 2 (SR78B) contains the results and details of the experimental programme undertaken to justify these changes.

This report is intended for use by technical advisers to building product manufacturers seeking to use their product as wall bracing elements within New Zealand houses. It provides the engineering rationale upon which a revision of the wall bracing test and evaluation method, known as the BRANZ P21 test method, is proposed.