Progress Report

Introduction:

This memo describes the progress I have made to date on my independent-study
project to write a report on The Seismic Response of Mid-Rise Wood-Framed
Construction. In this memo, I review and describe work I have completed, work I am
currently engaged in, and work I plan to complete by the end of the project. This project
will result in a technical report which will provide insight into the performance of wood
structures durning seismic activity.

Completed Work:

Starting in February 2010 I started researching and gathering information for my report.
I started off by gathering research about seismic activity and the forces associated with
it. I then moved on to research shear walls, which are an integral part in the strength of
buildings, especially in seismic regions. The final step of my research was to research
the performance of wood. I looked at different species and strengths of wood, which will
aid in choosing the right wood for not only the frame of the building but also the shear
walls.

Present Work:

I am currently in the process of determining the strengths of different species of wood.
Choosing the strongest wood that also preforms well under seismic conditions will be a
challenge, but is integral to building in seismic areas.

Future Work:

Next, I will be designing a shear wall which will give the building most of its structural
support. During this process I will also be doing wood design calculations to determine
whether or not the structure will withstand the forces caused by the seismic activity. I
hope to compare a building without shear walls to a building with shear walls to
determine how safe and structurally sound they are.

Potential Problems/Solutions:

During the course of my research I have run into various problems. The biggest issue
that I will have is that I do not know how to design shear walls. The solution to this
problem is to work with James Gu, who is a structural engineer that specializes in wood
applications. Two other problems are that I don’t know structural design nor do I know
wood design. However I am taking ARET 3620 and 3600 which are teaching us wood
and structural design. I am taking what I learn in class and apply it to my report.

Next Steps:

Once I complete my present and future work, I will be compiling the information that I
have gathered into a logical sequence and create an outline of what my report will
contain. I hope to have this portion done by October 4th. I will then go ahead and create
that graphics that I require throughout my report. If everything goes according to plan I
hope to have my first and second drafts done before November 1st. The final report wil
be ready for review during the second week of November.

Conclusion:

So far, the project is proceeding well. I have not run into any major problems, nor do I
anticipate any in the remaining work. With the help of James and the information that I
will be learning in the ARET 3620 and 3600 courses I am well on my way.