The ICC-Evaluation Services published the ICC-ESR, Evaluation Services Report, for Simpson Strong-Tie’s Steel Strong-Wall®—ESR-1679. The Steel Strong-Wall is Simpson’s newest addition to the Strong-Wall product line. These pre-fabricated shearwalls not only offer higher load values, but are available in narrower models to offer additional design versatility.

The Steel Strong-Wall is ICC listed for 12", 15", 18", 21" and 24" widths with nominal heights from 7’ to 13’ depending on model. The comprehensive report includes load tables for both the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the 2000 International Building Code with axial loads of 1,000, 4,000 and 7,500 lbs. Values are listed for seismic design or wind design with both 2,500 psi and 3,000 psi concrete strength for design flexibility.

In addition to these tables, the report includes tables for Steel Strong-Wall panels without the pre-attached wood studs for use in Cold Form Steel framing. ICC has also approved the use of Steel Strong-Wall shearwalls for wall bracing applications including a unique 1-for-2 substitution at garage fronts. This approved application allows only one Steel Strong-Wall panel to be used to meet the wall bracing requirements at a garage front instead of the two site-built braced wall panels currently required in the building codes.

With load values between two and three times higher than the original wood Strong-Wall, the Steel Strong-Wall is the easiest to install shearwall on the market. For additional information, visit www.strongtie.com or call 1-800-999-5099.