Lateral Analysis
Lateral Load Analysis for Residential Buildings – Wind & Seismic Engineering
Residential buildings must be designed to safely resist lateral forces caused by wind and earthquake loads. We provide professional structural engineering services for the analysis and design of lateral force–resisting systems in wood-framed residential structures, with calculations and documentation prepared for permit submittal and plan review.
Our work focuses on practical, code-compliant solutions that clearly demonstrate load paths from roof to foundation and meet the requirements of building departments throughout the Portland metro area and beyond.
What We Do
We provide structural engineering services for lateral load analysis and design, including:
- Wind and seismic load analysis
- Wood shearwall design
- Overturning analysis and holdown design
- Diaphragm analysis and load transfer
- Collector and drag strut design
- Continuous load path verification
- Foundation anchorage and uplift resistance
All designs are prepared with the intent of meeting current building code requirements and supporting efficient permit approval.
Get Permit-Ready Lateral Loads Engineering
When Lateral Load Analysis Is Required
Lateral engineering is commonly required for residential projects such as:
- New custom homes
- Remodels that modify exterior or interior shearwalls
- Large openings, window walls, or garage door enlargements
- Additions that alter existing load paths
- Seismic retrofits and structural upgrades
- Projects receiving plan review comments related to lateral resistance
If a building department has requested lateral calculations, shearwall design, or wind and seismic analysis, this service directly addresses those requirements.
Engineering Deliverables
Depending on the scope of the project, deliverables may include permit-ready PDF documents, such as:
- Signed and sealed structural calculation PDFs
- Shearwall schedules and construction details
- Lateral force diagrams and load path documentation
- Foundation anchorage and holdown specifications
- Plan notes and supporting details
- Revised PDFs responding to plan review comments
All deliverables are provided in PDF format, consistent with current electronic submittal requirements used by building departments in the Portland metro area.
Engineering Approach
Each project is evaluated based on the specific building geometry, site conditions, and governing code requirements. While internally developed calculation tools may be used to improve efficiency and consistency, engineering judgment, professional review, and final responsibility remain with Ogren Engineering.
This approach ensures every project receives code-compliant design tailored to the actual structure, not a generic or automated solution.
Request Lateral Load Engineering
If you need professional engineering services for wind or seismic lateral load analysis for a residential project, we invite you to get in touch to discuss your scope and permitting requirements.
Contact Ogren Engineering to request assistance with residential lateral load analysis and design.
Get Permit-Ready Lateral Loads Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions – Lateral Loads Analysis
Yes. We provide professional structural engineering services for lateral loads analysis and design for wood-framed residential buildings, including wind and seismic loading.
Lateral loads analysis evaluates forces caused by wind and earthquakes, as well as the resulting shear, overturning, and uplift forces transferred through the structure to the foundation.
Lateral calculations are commonly required for new homes, additions, major remodels, large openings, and any project that alters shearwalls or load paths.
Yes. We design wood shearwalls, holdowns, collectors, drag struts, and foundation anchorage as part of a complete lateral force–resisting system.
Yes. All calculations are prepared for permit review and meet current building code requirements. Deliverables are provided in PDF format for electronic submittal.
Yes. When required, calculations and supporting documents are signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer.
Yes. We regularly revise calculations and drawings to address building department plan review comments related to lateral resistance and load paths.
Yes. We coordinate with architects, designers, and contractors to ensure lateral systems integrate cleanly with the overall building design.
Common projects include custom homes, additions, seismic retrofits, garage door enlargements, remodels affecting shearwalls, and structural upgrades.
Our primary service area includes Oregon, the Portland metro region, and southwest Washington. We are licensed in both Oregon and Washington and regularly provide engineering services throughout SW Washington.
All calculations and supporting documents are delivered electronically in PDF format to meet modern building department submittal requirements.
You can contact us with basic project information, plans, and permitting requirements. We will review the scope and outline the next steps for engineering support.