1.1This practice covers procedures for calculating the superimposed axial load required to be applied to load-bearing wood-frame walls throughout standard fire-resistance and fire and hose-stream tests.

1.2The calculations determine the maximum load allowed by design for wood-frame wall assemblies under nationally recognized structural design criteria.

1.3This practice is only applicable to those wood-frame assemblies for which the nationally recognized structural design criteria are contained in the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS).2

1.4The system of units to be used is that of the nationally recognized structural design criteria. For the NDS, the units are inch-pound.

1.5The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.6This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.