No they are not laminated strand lumber studs like the premium Timberland product. They are finger jointed studs and from a quick "research" (not claiming to be an expert) it looks like it's a way to recycle scrap pieces and market them as "straighter" studs. With the disclaimer not to get them wet because the joint may fail. And they must only be used vertically because the joint would break in a joist application.

I find the advanced framing techniques to be advanced tornado fodder. They look like they'd transform a traditional F1 into an F4.

Not that I have a hat in that game given that my house is a concrete house and has no wood studs at all (not even interior)... Just thought that stick built houses nowadays would be a bit more substantial and was wondering if this is typical of framing in the year 2011.

FJ studs must meet the same standards as sawn lumber with the caveats as mentioned: in compression and with limited water exposure. However, some FJ is indeed approved for horizontal use.

Advanced framing may not be suitable for all wind conditions. But aside from speciality buildings, it is not practicable to build all homes to resist F4-F5 storms which pack sustained winds as high as 261+ mph.

Testing has demonstrated that impact resistance in windstorms is even better with advanced than traditional framing.

An experienced builder in high-wind conditions suggests that advanced framing, combined with some special techniques, can offer superior performance.

As expected, steel reinforced poured concrete homes offer the greatest impact protection in tornado force winds--if you ignore windows.

Here is a link that might be useful: Advanced Framing Information Sheet

I have never seen DWV plumbing in floor slabs sleeved. In poured walls, yes, without fail.
Studs are always vertical members. (I wanted to add, "dear" but resisted the urge!)
I can't tell you without detailed photos whether or not the shear is adequate.
There's that old saying "Fools and children should not see things when half-done".
I didn't make that one up, it became an adage for good reason.
Casey

Thanks, but I didn't ask for "smart" sayings, honey.

You wouldn't know the reason for the sleeve exception in slabs, would you? That would add some useful info but that's probably above your level of knowledge.

I would actually argue (with exception of the pex) the framing method for this house is better than your typical cheap 2x4 walls. There is actually about the same amount of BF of lumber in an OVE framed house as there is in a subpar 2x4 framed house. The builder had increased energy efficiency in mind when doing so. You did not mention, but I assume shear was picked up with either corner sheathing or diagonal bracing, both methods are code acceptable. Foam sheathing is not a shear resistant assembly. While my details for advanced framed walls still include sheathing with the foam (ZIP sheathing to increase air tightness), there is nothing cheap about the construction...just different...and.....better when compared to 2x4 framing (from an energy stand point). I still prefer the sheathing mainly for infiltration reasons, but it does add some slight resistance to wind puncture. Obviously not as good as an ICF home, but in our climate zone, the advanced framed/exterior foam house, sealed properly, will out perform ICF any day of the week. Our parts also have basements, so full ICF rarely sees any payoff.
Advanced framing is sill fairly new to our framers, and exterior foam sheathing is very new as well. However they are all very open to it, and are working very well along side myself and eager to learn "new" methods (there is nothing new about OVE and foam sheathing, however).

Any DWV or supply line though concrete is supposed to be sleeved.

Direction (walls vs floor) does not matter.