Wood Ledger

Quick start

1. Add a Wood Ledger calculation, enter a description, and choose ASD or LRFD.
2. Select the ledger size and species and the applicable moisture and temperature conditions.
3. Select the anchor type and bolt diameter. Enter masonry strength f′m, steel strengths fy and fu, and embedment. For an L bolt, also enter the leg length eb.
4. Choose one row, two aligned rows, or two staggered rows. Enter horizontal spacing p and, for two rows, row spacing m.
5. Enter the vertical and horizontal line loads in plf and the applicable SDS value.
6. Choose Run Model. Review both Ledger Calculations and A.B. Calculations, including the geometry checks and governing demand/capacity results.

Ledger and anchor arrangement

The ledger size and species establish the wood reference properties. Review the service-moisture and temperature selections, the 1-3/4-inch thickness option where applicable, and the displayed connection adjustment factors.

Horizontal spacing p is the spacing within each row, not the spacing between alternating bolts. In a staggered two-row layout, the rows are offset horizontally by p/2. Row spacing m is the vertical distance between rows.

Review the minimum edge distances, bolt spacing, and row spacing shown in the calculations and diagrams. An acceptable demand/capacity ratio does not override a failed geometry check. Embedment and the L-bolt leg length are separate dimensions.

Loads and design method

Enter vertical dead, live, roof live, snow, and rain loads in plf. Enter horizontal wind Wh and seismic Eh loads in plf. SDS is a seismic coefficient, not a line load. Select the live-load-over-100-psf option when applicable to the source live loading.

The program converts line loads to per-bolt demands using per-row spacing and the number of rows. The conversion is shown in the calculation output. Do not enter a per-bolt load into a plf field.

ASD or LRFD determines the combination and capacity basis. Review the generated gravity combinations and combined gravity/lateral checks, including the Hankinson checks shown for the wood connection.

Reading the results

Ledger Calculations includes wood reference capacity, connection adjustments, minimum dimensions, and wood connection load checks. A.B. Calculations presents the masonry anchorage calculation and its governing checks.

Review both sides of the connection. A passing anchor result alone is not a passing ledger connection, and a passing wood result alone is not a passing masonry anchor.

If no applied loads are entered, the module can calculate capacity only. A capacity-only result is not confirmation of adequacy for a loaded connection. Correct highlighted inputs or failed checks and run again.

Saving, reports, and scope

Save the project to retain inputs and report selections. Run the model after reopening and before printing. Use the report options to select the available calculation and diagram sections.

The module report identifies TMS 402-22 and ASCE 7-22 and includes wood connection calculations. This page describes the implemented ledger-to-masonry connection workflow; it does not establish a complete design of the supporting masonry wall, building load path, or other connection types.