ICC-ES AC514
Full Name
ICC-ES AC514 – Acceptance Criteria for Site-assembled Wood Portal Frames Used as Wall Bracing Under the IRC
Scope
ICC-ES AC514 defines the acceptance criteria for evaluating site-assembled wood portal frames (PFS) intended to be used as wall bracing in wood-framed buildings constructed under the International Residential Code (IRC). The scope covers both single and double wood portal frames.
Key aspects covered by AC514 include:
- Structural design: evaluation of the design methodology and calculations for the portal frames to ensure they meet the required strength and stiffness for resisting lateral loads.
- Connection details: assessment of the connection details between the frame members (columns, beams, and bracing) to ensure adequate load transfer and overall structural integrity.
- Material properties: verification that the wood materials used in the frames meet the specified grade and species requirements of the IRC.
- Installation requirements: evaluation of the installation procedures and guidelines to ensure proper assembly and connection of the portal frames on site.
- Bracing capacity: determination of the contributing length of wall bracing provided by the portal frames, which is used to comply with the total bracing requirements specified in the IRC.
The evaluation process typically involves a review of the engineering calculations, drawings, and supporting documentation submitted by the manufacturer. It may also include physical testing of prototypes to validate the structural performance.
Resources
Keywords
site-assembled; wood; portal frame; wall bracing; International Residential Code; IRC; structural design; connection details; material properties; installation requirements; bracing capacity; lateral loads; strength; stiffness