A test program study.

Modern elastomeric adhesives can potentially transform the realm of light-frame wood (LFW) construction, offering a cost-effective solution to increase strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation under lateral loads induced by earthquakes and wind. LFW shear walls are integral to the lateral force-resisting system, providing a primary source of stiffness and strength to the structure by transferring loads to the foundation. The current model of shear walls dissipates energy through plastic deformation of the sheathing-frame connections, resulting in nail yielding, nail withdrawal, and sheathing edge tearing. Investigators found that conventional adhesives, including water-based, solvent-based, and polyurethane-based (PU), can significantly improve shear walls’ strength and stiffness. However, concerns about volatile emissions, lack of durability, and brittleness limit their application in LFW structures. On the other hand, silyl-modified polyether (SMP) are modern adhesives gaining interest in construction for their moisture-curing, isocyanate-free, UV-stable, chemically resistant, and high flexibility properties. This article demonstrates the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SMP adhesive in improving the seismic performance of shear walls through an experimental program.