wood shearwall width and aspect ratio

huangyhg

wood shearwall width and aspect ratio
the southern part of my has very wide opennings, but
inbetween of this opennings, theres a hollow box column (4ft x 4 ft)
made of 2x6 wood studs. im planning to use the one side of the this
column as shearwall having a segment length of 4 ft spaced at an
average of 32 ft.( instead of placing moment resisting frame along
this side). is is ok to use this width of shearwalls if the height of
shearwall segment is 14 ft? the maximum height-to width ratio of
shearwall for seismic use is 2:1 in the ibc but theres a provission
stating that, as long that it does not exceed the ratio of 3.5/1 it
can be permitted, provided that the factored shear resistance value
in table 2306.4.1(allowable shear for wood structural panel shearwall
table-same values in ubc 1997) - are multiplied by 2w/h?
another thing , i would like to clarify also, is the provission on
the 4 ft offset on the shearwall lines. is this offset allowed to
buildings that qualifies for conventional light frame construction
only? that means that we really have to position drag struts along
the portion where there is a 4 ft offset?
check out our whitepaper library.
you can use a 3.5:1 height to width ratio as long as you are in seismic zones a through c.  i am unaware of the factored shear wall provision.
it seems like drag struts might be used to get your load into your shearwalls since you walls are spaced at 32'.  make sure you design your roof diaphragm accordingly.