American Wood Council Releases 2027 Wind and Seismic Design Standard

The 2027 SDPWS culminates five years of technical development and two years of consensus-based balloting. By integrating these updated provisions, designers can now utilize the Post-Tensioned Timber Rocking Wall and a high-capacity, one-sided shear wall system. These additions aim to validate wood as a viable material for projects facing the most rigorous seismic and wind performance demands.

Beyond new systems, the standard features revised provisions for cross-laminated timber diaphragms. These updates incorporate data from full-scale testing, aligning the standard with seismic force reduction factors expected in the upcoming ASCE 7-28. Brad Douglas, Vice President of Engineering at the American Wood Council, noted that the release provides tested, research-based tools to support design confidence in challenging climates. The organization plans to follow this release with updates to its foundation, fire design, and wood-frame construction specifications throughout the year.