A commercially available, three-dimensional finite-element analysis software was used to model the load-displacement
behavior of metal-plate-connected (MPC) joints in wooden trusses. Model features included consideration
of material properties, teeth-to-grain-to-direction-of-force orientation, wood-to-wood interaction, and gaps between wood
members. To simulate wood-to-plate interaction, the main feature of the model, each tooth of...
The effect of grain angle (GA) on shear strength of Douglas-fir has been evaluated. Shear block specimens with a GA varying from 0 to 90° was loaded in the shear plane, resulting in failure mode transitioning from parallel to grain shear to rolling shear. As expected, shear strength decreased as...
Remediation methods and strength predictions were evaluated for wood I-joists with single, circular holes in the webs, leaving utilities in place. A full-scale bending test using four equally-spaced point loads was applied to three depths of joists with varying flange widths and span lengths of 4.88 m and 2.44 m....
Fracture toughness of wood and wood composites has traditionally been characterized by a stress intensity factor, an initiation strain energy release rate (G[subscript init]) or a total energy to fracture (G[subscript f]). These parameters provide incomplete fracture characterization for these materials because the toughness changes as the crack propagates. Thus...
Wood and wood-based composites are being used extensively in single-family residential dwellings. Therefore, it is important to categorize their response when exposed to elevated temperatures for a sustained period of time. In fire-resistant design for wood structures, the main goal is to ensure that enough structural integrity is maintained, during...
The construction industry has relied heavily on wood and wood-based composites, such as oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood for timber frame construction. Therefore, it is highly imperative to categorize the response of wood-based composites when exposed to elevated temperatures for a sustained period of time. The essence of fire-resistant...
Global sustainability goals have led to the development of the green building movement. The Green
Building Program, stemming from the movement, has had unprecedented success as it provides a quantifi able
metric to people’s efforts towards sustainable development. Sustainable development and green buildings are often
used interchangeably. Although, sustainable development...
Probability density functions (normal, lognormal, and three-parameter Weibull) were used to characterize strength data for three different types of metal-plate-connected wood truss joints (web at the bottom chord, tension splice, and heel). Modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the lumber used to fabricate the joints was also characterized. A probability-plot technique,...
Bearing or compressive strength capacity perpendicular to the grain of timber beams is a troublesome issue. Not only do many different load cases occur in practice that are not covered by structural timber design codes but also these codes provide only a basic provision and vary throughout continents. Code design...
A previously developed, three-dimensional (3-D) finite-element (FE) joint model and several two-dimensional
(2-D), beam-element based FE models with different joint-stiffness assumptions (pinned, rigid, and semi-rigid) were used
to analyze the full-scale behavior of a metal-plate-connected (MPC) wood scissors truss. The truss displacement and
force results were investigated for sensitivity with...