CLT Shear Wall and Diaphragm Design with SDPWS 2021

By: Hamid Kaboli, PhD, P.E.

The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as structural floor and roof panels has seen incredible growth in the US over the past decade. However, its use as part of a seismic and wind force-resisting system—either as a diaphragm or shear wall—has only recently been codified. This has resulted in designing CLT lateral systems through alternative means. This presentation will introduce new provisions for CLT shear wall and diaphragm design, in the American Wood Council’s 2021 Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS). The presentation will cover the detailing and design requirements for the newly defined CLT shear walls and diaphragms found in the SDPWS and the range of seismic design parameters (e.g., R values) recognized for CLT shear wall in ASCE 7-22.

Speaker Bio:

Hamid is a licensed professional engineer in California and holds a Ph.D. in Building Construction and Technology, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, along with degrees in architecture and engineering. His work centers on sustainable design, seismic resilience, and code-compliant solutions for commercial and multi-family buildings, and includes experience in project management, research, and close collaboration with AHJs, developers, and design teams to integrate wood and mass timber into modern construction. Outside of work, Hamid enjoys woodworking, exploring nature, and traveling to learn about new cultures, which fuels his passion for sustainable building and innovative design solutions.