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[Seaintonln(--nospam--at)aol.com]

I understand the basics for using the lowest R in each direction based upon 
the resisting elements. However, I can't agree that the entire structure 
should be penalized when an block - isolated on three sides - is designed 
using embedded columns at the side opposite an adjacent block.

Assume for the moment that the home was constructed with conventional 
Shearwalls of plywood. The R used in the design would be 5.5. 
A Patio cover (tile or composition roof) was built on the structure an the 
pendulums were used to resist shear on the open side.  The R for this would 
be 2.2
The code requires the entire structure in the direction of force resisted by 
the columns, to be designed using the lower R value or 2.2.
I don't accept that, with the exception of the common wall between the patio 
and the residence (assuming that the roof diapragm is framed separately) that 
any other shearwalls will be substantially influenced by the stiffness of the 
columns at the patio?

Therefore,  how do convince not only the building official to accept my 
judgment when I can not prove it by rational analysis?

Dennis Wish PE