Expert: Dan Griffin - 1/24/2010

Question
I'm trying  to get a Non-profit to change building practices in Haiti to  3/4" plywood walls instead of CBS. I need to find wind speed rating to sway the opinions of board members, but am having a hard time finding anything that is concise and in layman terms.
Thanks,  

Answer
Alan, I guess intuitively we both feel 3/4 must be stronger than 7/16.  I don't understand your reference to CBS, but assume it is some type of structural sheathing.  If you mean cement board, I am not aware of one that meets shear requirements.  Earthquake issues are a bit different than tornado/hurricane issues, the building needs stength and stiffness, but the important issue becomes the foundation movement and damping.

There is much information available for shear walls if you are encouraging stiffness.  I would think that in Haiti, one of the big issues would be use of materials  that deal well with humidity and moisture.

If I can be of more help, ask me again.