Finite element analysis of end fixity in stud wall panels

Abstract

Because of increasing competition from non-wood building materials, efforts are being made to improve the design of stud walls. The objective of this study is to develop and verify a theoretical method and computer program that will predict the end fixity in stud walls because of the sheathing being attached to the wall support system. A special computer program was developed from an existing finite element program. The method was verified by comparing analytical results with known theoretical and experimental solutions.