From: Commins, Al commins@interisland.net
To: danmerr@ix.netcom.com
Subject: Shear Wall Testing
Date: Tuesday, February 08, 2000 10:56 AM

I found your site on the Internet.
Elements overlooked in wood shearwall testing are:

a. The performance of wood walls on Platform construction
Wood floor systems tend to deflect under the compression load of the
shear wall. No testing has been published on this very important area.

b. Wood floor systems tend to shrink after they are installed.
this shrikage will range from 1/4" up to 3/4" per floor.
This Shrinkage had never been factored into the wall performance.

I have designed and developed a simple new device that solves these
problems. Please advise if you wish more information.

Al Commins
Commins Design
970A Guard Street
Friday Harbor WA, 98250

Phone (360) 378-9484
Fax (360) 378-9485