Technical Papers
In this section, you'll find Technical Topics which provide recommendations and explanations for a variety of design and construction details. If you want to refine your search, use the keyword search function below.
The product use recommendations in these publications are based on the continuing programs of laboratory testing, product research, and comprehensive field experience of APA - The Engineered Wood Association and Engineered Wood Systems. However, because APA and EWS have no control over quality of workmanship or the conditions under which structural panels and engineered wood products are used, these organizations cannot accept responsibility for product performance or designs as actually constructed. Because engineered wood product performance requirements vary geographically, consult your local architect, engineer or design professional to assure compliance with code, construction, and performance requirements.
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| Publication | Purchase | Download |
APA Full-Scale 3D Wall Bracing TestsExtensive study evaluates how various structural components work as a whole and provides the industry with a better understanding of a house’s true three-dimensional system performance, as well as specific measurements and data for wall bracing methods. Available only as a downloadable PDF. Issued November 2007. (Form T2007-73 - 46 pages) |
Free
 1.5 MB |
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Technical Note: Temporary Construction Loads Over I-joist Roofs and FloorsProvides recommendations for proper placement of heavy loads in a partially completed light-framed structure to prevent damage to the structure and/or injury to the work crew. Only available as a downloadable PDF. Updated September 2008. (Form J735 - 5 pages) |
Free
250 K |
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Technical Report - Structural Wood Panels and FormaldehydeTechnical Report which addresses inquiries concerning the release of formaldehyde gas from APA-trademarked structural panel products. This report summarizes the results of research on this subject and explains why these projects have not caused formaldehyde offgassing problems. Revised April 2002 (Form SPE-1040 - 4 pages) |
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Free
392 K |
Technical Topic: A Portal Frame With Hold Downs for Wall Bracing or Engineered ApplicationsProvides descriptions and illustrations for constructing APA Narrow Braced Wall/Portal Frame when hold downs are used. Bracing walls as narrow as 16 inches may be used to provide required bracing in both prescriptive and engineered construction. Includes summary of test results, background, code recognitions and engineering capacities. Most often seen on either side of garage-door openings but may be used on any walls built on rigid foundations. Updated November 2008. (Form TT-100 - 3 pages) |
Free
657 K |
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Technical Topic: Connections for Built-up Glulam BeamsDiscusses the code requirement for connecting side-by-side glulam beams (sistered) to each other. Gives the reason for this building code requirement and gives guidelines on the proper way to make the connections. Updated June 2010. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-011 - 4 pages) |
Free
424 K |
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Technical Topic: Finishing Glued Laminated TimbersDiscusses recommendations and exceptions for finishing glulam manufactured entirely from solid-sawn lumber. Available only as a downloadable PDF file. (Form TT-033 - 2 pages) |
Free
165 K |
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Technical Topic: Requirements for Wall Coverings and Wind PressuresReason for International Residential Code wall sheathing requirements with regard to wind pressure. Only available as a downloadable PDF file. Revised November 2006. (Form TT-105 - 2 pages) |
Free
247 K |
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Technical Topic: Trim GuidelinesIt is sometimes advisable to trim the tongue or groove from a T&G panel for proper clearance for attachment to Rim Board. This is an explanation of when to trim and when it may not be necessary. January 2005. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-032 - 1 page) |
Free
192 K |
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Technical Topic: Wood Structural Panels for California Division of State Architect ProjectsIn accordance with California regulations, all projects submitted after January 1, 2009 shall be reviewed under the provisions of the 2007 California Building Code (CBC). Section 2302 of the 2007 CBC recognizes plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) under the definition of Wood Structural Panel. Issued October 2009. Only available as a downloadable PDF file. (Form TT-106 - 2 pages) |
Free
496 K |
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Technical Topic: Wood Structural Panels for Outdoor Decks(Form TT-008 - 2 pages) |
Free
157 K |
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Technical Topics: 1-5/16-Inch-Thick I-Joist Flanges and Diaphragm Nail PenetrationDiscusses minimum nail penetration required to develop full connection capacity. Updated December 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-061 - 1 page) |
Free
171 K |
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Technical Topics: Allowable Bearing Stress For APA Wood Structural PanelsProvides recommendations for allowable bearing stress (compression stress perpendicular to face of the panel). Updated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-001 - 2 pages) |
Free
154 K |
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Technical Topics: Allowable Depth-To-Width Ratios for Glulam BeamsPrescriptive lateral-bracing recommendations. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated June 2008. (Form TT-085 - 2 pages) |
Free
207 K |
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Technical Topics: Allowable Horziontal Shear Stresses for GlulamAvailable only as a downloadable pdf. Updated January 2008. (Form TT-090 - 2 pages) |
Free
199 K |
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Technical Topics: APA Building Paper Recommendations for WallsReviews recommendations to include building paper or other code-approved weather-resistive or air infiltration barrier material in wall systems. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated October 2005. (Form TT-005 - 1 page) |
Free
152 K |
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Technical Topics: APA Performance-Rated Wood Structural Panels As Thermal BarriersUpdated April 2005. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-060 - 1 page) |
Free
118 K |
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Technical Topics: APA Plywood for Aluminum Hydraulic Trench ShoringAPA-trademarked panel recommendations for trench-shoring design. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated May 2006. (Form TT-062 - 4 pages) |
Free
293 K |
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Technical Topics: APA Rated Siding Applied to Post Frame StructuresIssued January 2008. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-023 - 2 pages) |
Free
185 K |
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Technical Topics: APA Structural-Use Panels Over Concrete SlabsProvides recommendations for wood structural panels applied over sleepers over concrete, over rigid foam over concrete, or directly over concrete. Updated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-007 - 3 pages) |
Free
162 K |
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Technical Topics: APA Trademarked Panel Siding For 130 mph Wind ZonesProvides stud spacing and panel fastening recommendations. Updated November 2005. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-017 - 2 pages) |
Free
176 K |
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Technical Topics: APA Wood I-Joists and APA Rim Boards ®Explains why only APA Rim Boards® should be used with APA wood I-joists and why lumber rim boards should not be used with wood I-joists. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Revised July 2010. (Form TT-022 - 2 pages) |
Free
298 K |
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Technical Topics: Apparent and Shear Free MOEExplains the difference between Apparent MOE (Eapparent) and Shear-Free MOE (Eshear-free) in glulam beams, where they are used, how to deal with them when designing and how to make meaningful comparisons between the two different types of published values for E. Only available as a downloadable pdf file. Revised May 2010. (Form TT-104 - 1 page) |
Free
363 K |
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Technical Topics: Approximate Engineering Dead Load Weights Of Wood Structural PanelsTabulated design weight recommendations. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-019 - 1 page) |
Free
156 K |
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Technical Topics: Bending PlywoodRecommendations for minimum bending radii. Updated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-003 - 2 pages) |
Free
153 K |
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Technical Topics: Bond ClassificationDescriptive definition of terms related to bond classification, e.g. Exterior and Exposure 1. Updated January 2008. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-009 - 1 page) |
Free
153 K |
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Technical Topics: Burn-Through Resistance of OSB PanelsFire test results comparing burn-through resistance of OSB and plywood. Updated December 2006. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-025 - 2 pages) |
Free
163 K |
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Technical Topics: Ceramic Tile Over Wood Structural Panel FloorsProvides a list of wood structural panel floor systems tested in accordance with ASTM C627. Updated July 2008. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-006 - 6 pages) |
Free
203 K |
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Technical Topics: Collector Design for Bracing in Conventional ConstructionExplains collectors as described/required in the IBC and IRC and how to design and build them. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated June 2005. (Form TT-102 - 5 pages) |
Free
224 K |
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Technical Topics: Cross-Face Wood Structural PanelsDiscusses wood structural panels with strength axis in the short panel dimension, typically used in panelized roof decks. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated December 2006. (Form TT-027 - 3 pages) |
Free
176 K |
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Technical Topics: Deflection of Unblocked Wood Structural Panel DiaphragmsProvides interim guidance regarding methods for determining the stiffness of unblocked diaphragms. Updated July 2008. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-064 - 1 page) |
Free
160 K |
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Technical Topics: Design Example for APA Glued Floor System Using APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor PanelsAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated September 2006. (Form TT-036 - 4 pages) |
Free
369 K |
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Technical Topics: Design Values for APA's Portal Frame in Engineered ApplicationsTHIS PUBLICATION HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. Please refer to Form TT-100 for more information on this topic. (Form TT-074) |
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Technical Topics: Design Values for Glulam Stock Beam CutoffsUpdated November 2005. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-084 - 2 pages) |
Free
124 K |
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Technical Topics: Designing Diaphragms Over Existing Board Floors Or RoofsExplains briefly the design considerations for installing a wood structural panel horizontal diaphragm over existing board sheathing (decking) in floors or roofs. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated October 2007. (Form TT-097 - 3 pages) |
Free
206 K |
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Technical Topics: Destruction Of Insects During Manufacture Of Wood Structural PanelsProvides a description of various wood structural panel manufacturing processes that destroy insects. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated December 2006. (Form TT-014 - 1 page) |
Free
155 K |
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Technical Topics: Discoloration of Vinyl FlooringUpdated December 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-065 - 2 pages) |
Free
192 K |
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Technical Topics: Dusting of Concrete Poured Against Plywood FormsDiscusses some possible causes of surface dusting of concrete poured against concrete forms. Updated December 2006. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-029 - 3 pages) |
Free
164 K |
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Technical Topics: Effect of Green Lumber Framing on Wood Structural Panel Shear Wall PerformanceDiscussion of a test program conducted by APA to investigate the effect of constructing shear walls with green framing lumber, then allowing the shear wall assembly to dry before testing. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated August 2008. (Form TT-075 - 1 page) |
Free
163 K |
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Technical Topics: Effect of Overdriven Fasteners On Shear CapacityProvides suggested guidelines for determining if overdriven fasteners will affect the shear capacity of diaphragm and shear wall construction. Updated January 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-012 - 2 pages) |
Free
150 K |
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Technical Topics: Fire Rated Wall Assemblies with OSB & Plywood Wall SheathingUpdated April 2005. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-063 - 2 pages) |
Free
169 K |
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Technical Topics: Flame Spread Of APA Performance-Rated Wood Structural PanelsReports on surface burning characteristics (i.e. flame spread and smoke development) of wood structural panels tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Updated December 2006. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-010 - 1 page) |
Free
155 K |
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Technical Topics: Heavily Loaded Drywall CartsIssued February 2008. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-024 - 1 page) |
Free
153 K |
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Technical Topics: Holes in Blocking Panels Used in Conventional ConstructionDiscusses the placement of holes in the webs of I-joists or Rim Board used as blocking panels for lateral restraint of floor and roof joists. Updated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-040 - 2 pages) |
Free
163 K |
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Technical Topics: Holes in Rim Board Used in Conventional ConstructionWhere and how to properly cut round and rectangular openings in rim board. Issued June 2004. Available as downloadable PDF only. (Form TT-041 - 2 pages) |
Free
336 K |
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Technical Topics: Ice Formation in Core Gaps of Texture 1-11 SidingAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated January 2008. (Form TT-099 - 2 pages) |
Free
119 K |
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Technical Topics: Laboratory Test of Mold Growth on Wood AdhesivesThis paper summarizes the results of mold growth tests on adhesives and resins commonly used in the wood industry. The tests were conducted at Forintek Canada Corporation and sponsored jointly by Forintek, Composite Panel Association and APA. The tests showed that the adhesives commonly used in structural plywood, LVL, wood I-joists, glulam beams, MDF and OSB either did not support mold growth or were susceptible to mold growth at a rate that was similar to that of the reference woods. Revised May 2010. (Form TT-103 - 3 pages) |
Free
442 K |
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Technical Topics: Marine Grade PlywoodAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated September 2006. (Form TT-043 - 1 page) |
Free
157 K |
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Technical Topics: Mechanical Properties of APA Structural PanelsTabulated average MOE and MOR values for APA Rated Sheathing. Updated April 2005. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-044 - 1 page) |
Free
162 K |
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Technical Topics: Min. Nail Penetration of Wood Structural Panel Connections Subject to Lateral LoadDowel bearing strength analysis of required depth of nail penetration for shear walls and diaphragms following 2001 NDS provisions. Updated October 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-045 - 4 pages) |
Free
226 K |
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Technical Topics: Moisture Exposure Recommendations for Wood Structural PanelsProvides recommended bond classification appropriate for end use in-service moisture conditions. Revised March 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-002 - 2 pages) |
Free
162 K |
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Technical Topics: Moisture-Related Dimensional StabilityDiscusses the effect of moisture on linear expansion and thickness swell of wood structural panels. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated December 2006. (Form TT-028 - 5 pages) |
Free
503 K |
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Technical Topics: Mulching Engineered Wood Products: An Alternative to LandfillsThis brief paper discusses the benefits of mulching construction-related wood scraps, including glued engineered wood products. Research is cited to show that the jobsite use of mulched, glued engineered wood products has many benefits, including reduced soil erosion and construction costs. The study also shows that this is done with no significant leaching of chemicals into the environment. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated January 2008. (Form TT-098 - 2 pages) |
Free
205 K |
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Technical Topics: Nailhead Pull-Through Strength of Wood Structural PanelsSummary of nailhead pull-through tests under dry and after 24-hour water soak for plywood and OSB. Updated January 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-070 - 1 page) |
Free
202 K |
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Technical Topics: Narrow Wall Bracing Using Wood Structural Panel Portal FramesTHIS PUBLICATION HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. Please refer to Form TT-100 for more information on this topic. (Form TT-073) |
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Technical Topics: Panel Flitch Beam Design ExampleAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated August 2006. (Form TT-030 - 1 page) |
Free
161 K |
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Technical Topics: Plywood Floors for Residential GaragesProvides recommendations for residential garage floor systems that can be built with one or two layers of plywood. Updated November 2005. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-071 - 1 page) |
Free
195 K |
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Technical Topics: Plywood or OSBDiscusses the standards under which plywood and OSB are qualified and the interchangeability of the two products for their intended end use. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated June 2010. (Form TT-047 - 6 pages) |
Free
182 K |
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Technical Topics: Power-Driven Fastener ConsiderationsDiscusses some common issues encountered when using power-driven fasteners. Updated January 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-056 - 1 page) |
Free
155 K |
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Technical Topics: Questions and Answers Regarding Panel Thickness LabelingExplains new (2008) panel thickness labeling requirements that apply within the state of California. Available only as a downloadable PDF file. Updated August 2008. (Form TT-054 - 4 pages) |
Free
297 K |
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Technical Topics: Recommended Design Values for Nail Withdrawal From APA Plywood and OSBAPA's recommended nail withdrawal design values based on results of ASTM D1761 testing. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated July 2010. (Form TT-039 - 1 page) |
Free
166 K |
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Technical Topics: Recommended Uniform Live Loads for PS-1 APA 303 SidingComplete title: Recommended Uniform Live Loads for PS-1 APA 303 Siding When Used as Open Soffit or Combined Roof Decking-Ceiling with Long Dimension Perp. to Supports. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated November 2006. (Form TT-021 - 1 page) |
Free
158 K |
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Technical Topics: Rim Board and I-Joist Nail Spacing RecommendationsComplete Title: Technical Topics: Nail Spacing Recommendations for APA EWS Rim Boards® and I-Joists Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Issued April 2010. (Form TT-094 - 2 pages) |
Free
629 K |
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Technical Topics: Rx for Flood Damage, How to Assess Water Damage in Plywood and OSB PanelsTHIS PUBLICATION HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. Please refer to Form X501 for more information on this topic. (Form TT-031 - 4 pages) |
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Technical Topics: Screw Withdrawal from APA-Trademarked OSBDiscusses interim recommendations for withdrawal capacities of screws from OSB. Updated November 2008. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-051 - 3 pages) |
Free
176 K |
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Technical Topics: Service Life of Oriented Strand Board (OSB)Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated December 2008. (Form TT-052 - 2 pages) |
Free
169 K |
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Technical Topics: Shear Resistance of APA Performance Rated Rim BoardsAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated August 2008. (Form TT-086 - 1 page) |
Free
118 K |
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Technical Topics: Shear Wall Lumber FramingComplete title: Shear Wall Lumber Framing: Double 2x's vs. Single 3x's at Adjoining Panel Edges. Evaluation of double 2x framing members as substitutes when single 3x framing members at adjoining panel edges are specified by codes for shear walls. Updated January 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-076 - 1 page) |
Free
163 K |
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Technical Topics: Shear Wall Test Results Comparing 8d Common and 8d Box NailsAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated January 2008. (Form TT-087 - 3 pages) |
Free
208 K |
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Technical Topics: Sized for Spacing ExplanationDiscusses the SIZED FOR SPACING notation in the APA trademark stamp and the practice, at the manufacturers option, of trimming panels up to 1/8" in length and width to encourage proper panel spacing. Updated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-055 - 1 page) |
Free
146 K |
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Technical Topics: Slant NailingDiscusses the practice of driving panel edge nails at a slight angle in shear walls and diaphragms; and the difference between slant nailing and toe-nailing. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated September 2006. (Form TT-058 - 1 page) |
Free
452 K |
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Technical Topics: Small Cracks in the Flange Rout at Ends of I-JoistsDiscusses the effect of small cracks located at the end of flange routs on I-joist structural capacities. Updated September 2006. Available only as a PDF file. (Form TT-026 - 1 page) |
Free
153 K |
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Technical Topics: Span RatingsDescription of span rating system for APA RATED SHEATHING, APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR and APA RATED SIDING panels. Updated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-037 - 2 pages) |
Free
160 K |
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Technical Topics: Specified Live Loads for Canadian Edition, Res. Const. Pocket Guide (CE R200)Updated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-069 - 1 page) |
Free
178 K |
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Technical Topics: Staining of Concrete Poured Against PlyformDiscusses the causes of concrete staining and provides some possible solutions. Updated December 2006. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-059 - 2 pages) |
Free
162 K |
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Technical Topics: Structural-Use Panel Performance for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302Discusses the burn resistance performance of APA structural-use panels in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated August 2006. (Form TT-042 - 1 page) |
Free
157 K |
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Technical Topics: Suggested Blocking Installation Details for Wood I-Joist Starter JoistsProvides suggested I-Joist blocking details, which may be used when local codes require prescriptive blocking in the space adjacent to starter joists or rim board. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated June 2008 (Form TT-078 - 2 pages) |
Free
228 K |
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Technical Topics: Thermal Resistance Of Wood Structural PanelsDetermination of the overall heat transfer coefficient (U value) of a construction assembly using thermal conductivity (k = 0.80). Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Revised May 2010. (Form TT-016 - 1 page) |
Free
356 K |
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Technical Topics: True (Shear-Free) and Apparent Moduli of ElasticityThis paper explains the relationships among bending deflection, shear deflection, total deflection, apparent modulus of elasticity and true modulus of elasticity in prismatic bending members. Failure to understand which E is being published can lead to unconservative deflection calculations. Discusses laminated veneer lumber LVL, structural composite lumber (SCL), glued laminated timbers (glulams) but the basic concept applies to all wood bending members including panels. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated January 2008. (Form TT-082 - 4 pages) |
Free
141 K |
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Technical Topics: Water Vapor PermeanceTHIS PUBLICATION HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. Please refer to Form J450 for more information on this topic. (Form TT-068 - 2 pages) |
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Technical Topics: Weathering Effects On Plywood SidingDiscusses effects of exposure to ultraviolet light and water. Updated May 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-018 - 2 pages) |
Free
159 K |
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Technical Topics: Wood Grain Visible in Finished ConcreteAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated January 2008. (Form TT-093 - 4 pages) |
Free
206 K |
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Technical Topics: Wood I-Joist Floors, Firefighters and FireThis contains a discussion about the durability and safety of wood I-joist floor assemblies in structure fires. It includes APA’s recommendation for increasing the fire endurance of all floor-joist assemblies based on the International Building Code. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated July 2010. (Form TT-015 - 2 pages) |
Free
197 K |
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Technical Topics: Wood Structural Panel IdentificationReviews various panel identification markings. Updated January 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-013 - 1 page) |
Free
154 K |
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Technical Topics: Wood Structural Panel Shear Wall Deflection FormulaUpdated February 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-053 - 3 pages) |
Free
210 K |
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Technical Topics: Wood Structural Panel Sheathing on Hip RoofsAvailable only as a downloadable pdf file. Updated January 2008. (Form TT-083 - 2 pages) |
Free
209 K |
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Technical Topics: Woodpecker Damage to WoodDiscusses possible methods for discouraging woodpeckers. Updated January 2007. Available only as a downloadable pdf file. (Form TT-067 - 2 pages) |
Free
156 K |
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