APA Releases Updated Wall Bracing Calculator
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The APA Wall Bracing Calculator is available online from your desktop or mobile device.

Photo By APA

APA – The Engineered Wood Association has updated its Wall Bracing Calculator. The tool, designed to simplify the design of residential structures, has been amended to include the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) wall bracing requirements along with the 2009, 2012 and 2015 requirements.
 
The Wall Bracing Calculator allows designers to:
 
Create a project and identify its pertinent details
Pictorially identify and calculate the bracing requirements of each braced wall line
Pictorially identify, qualify and locate each bracing segment on a given wall line
Export the results to a printable document for review and approval with code officials
 
The calculator is free to use and comes with a quick start guide for easy reference.
 
“Architects, engineers and designers tell us that this tool simplifies their work and provides significant time savings,” said Tom Kositzky, Director of Field Services for APA. “The end report—which sets this calculator apart from others—is professional and easy for code officials to understand and approve.”
 
The calculator is available on APA’s website at https://www.apawood.org/calculator. 
 
The Engineered Wood Association, Founded in 1933 and based in Tacoma, Washington, APA represents approximately 176 plywood, oriented strand board, glulam timber, wood I-joist, Rim Board and structural composite lumber mills throughout North America. Its primary functions are quality auditing and testing, applied research, and market support and development. www.apawood.org 
 

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.