High strength wall frames and system utilizing same

A shear frame assembly of the type having diagonal tensioning members that provide resistance to shear loads comprising:

• a pair of laterally opposed structural members, each structural member having first end portions and each structural member comprising first, second and third studs, wherein the second stud is between the first and third studs, the second stud is shorter than the first stud, so as to form an aperture axially aligned with the second stud;
• diagonal tensioning members positioned in the apertures;
• a transverse member extending between the first end portions of the structural members;
• a shear block positioned in at least one corner formed by the structural member and the transverse member, the shear block abutting the structural member;
• an alignment member on each aperture positioned to receive and align the diagonal tensioning member within the aperture;
• and
• a force-distributing member positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective structural member.

A building system for constructing a building using building wall sections and shear frame assemblies comprising:

• a plurality of building wall frame assemblies and shear frames assemblies interconnected to each other in a configuration that forms selected walls of the building, wherein each shear frame assembly is connected to at least one other shear frame assembly, each shear frame assembly including:
• a pair of laterally opposed structural members each having first end portions, and each structural member having an aperture adjacent its first end portion;
• diagonal tensioning members positioned in said apertures;
• a transverse member extending between the first end portions of the structural members;
• an alignment member in each aperture, each alignment member being positioned to receive and align the diagonal tensioning member within the aperture;
• and
• a force-distributing member positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective structural member.