Connecting the Load Path: Chords and Collectors in Steel Deck Diaphragms

Diaphragms are the key structural elements used to transfer horizontal lateral forces to the vertical lateral resisting systems. This webinar will provide tools to help you understand diaphragm stiffness and how that stiffness relates to the distribution and transfer of those forces to the lateral resisting system. The load path of the diaphragm forces through chords, collectors, and the importance of the diaphragm connections to those elements will be reviewed. Finally, we will introduce online design tools that will help simplify the diaphragm design process.

Learning Objectives:

• Review shear mechanics.
• Understand shear stiffness as it relates to the classification of a diaphragm as flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid.
• Identify online tools to help simplify diaphragm design.
• Understand the importance of coordinating diaphragm design with the connection to the lateral resisting system components.

Presented: 2026
Presenters:
Gerald McKenzie
Senior Design Engineer, Nucor-Vulcraft

Samuel Richard
Technical Manager, Manufactured Products
and Engineering Services, Canam Group