Final answer:
The elements of a wood framed structure that enable it to withstand lateral forces are shear walls and diaphragms. Shear walls provide vertical resistance, while diaphragms distribute the forces horizontally, working in tandem to stabilize the structure against these loads.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements of a wood framed structure that enable it to withstand lateral forces are shear walls and diaphragms. Shear walls are vertical elements that resist lateral forces such as wind or seismic activity, providing strength and stiffness to the structure.
Diaphragms, typically horizontal planes like floors or roofs, work in conjunction with shear walls to distribute these lateral forces to the ground. This system helps maintain the integrity of a structure under various loads.
Flying buttresses, commonly seen in Gothic architecture, are another example of a structural feature designed to redirect lateral forces from the walls to the ground.
During the construction phase, temporary bracing can also be critical to ensuring a wall remains stable against lateral forces, as calculated using principles of physics to determine the necessary support before permanent structures such as shear walls and diaphragms are fully functional.