Jump to a video
Introduction
Overview of the lateral load path workflow
Part 1: Setting up wind load calculations
Project defaults, envelope procedure & linking to diaphragms
Part 2: Creating a diaphragm calculator
Link wind loads to diaphragm & tributary height
Part 3: Designing your shear wall
Link diaphragm to shear wall & member selection
Introduction: Load linking
This overview introduces the lateral load path workflow: tracing loads from wind pressure through the diaphragm and into your shear wall design.Part 1: Setting up wind load calculations
After setting your project details, go to Project Defaults to configure parameters. This video covers:- Building Code: Select the edition applicable to your project
- Geo-location: Enter the address to extract wind speed from the site map
- Wind load calculator: Add a new calculation, select the envelope procedure (required for linking)
- Building properties: Width, length, roof type, roof height
- Linking to diaphragms: Load Case 1 (wind perpendicular to ridge) vs Load Case 2 (wind parallel to ridge)
Part 2: Creating a diaphragm calculator
With wind pressures calculated, create a diaphragm calculator to see how loads move through the building. Key steps:- Add diaphragm calculator: Search for “diaphragm” and create a new calculation
- Link wind loads: Use the link button to connect your wind calculator; select the zone pressure that applies to your design (e.g., edge or corner zones for conservative values)
- Tributary height: Automatically extracted from Project Defaults (midpoint-to-midpoint of adjacent walls); override if your framing differs
Part 3: Designing your shear wall
Complete the lateral load path by designing the shear wall that receives diaphragm loads. Key steps:- Add shear wall calculator: Search for “Shear Wall” and create a new calculation
- Link shear force: Instead of typing manually, click the link button and select your diaphragm → Wall Line 1
- Structural parameters: Story height and number of stories (extracted from Project Defaults); sheathing and studs are selected via the member selector
- Member selection: Use the member selector with quick visualization of section performance
- Hold-down design: If capacity fails, adjust hold-down or nail spacing
See it in action: Change the wind speed in Project Defaults, and all linked calculators (wind, diaphragm, shear wall) update automatically. No manual re-entry required.
Check out more onboarding videos
How to use Project Defaults
Set global rules for your design
How to Organize Your Projects on Calcs.com
Organizing projects, folders & calculations