Monotonic and cyclic nail connection tests

The results of monotonic and cyclic nail connection lateral tests are presented. The tests are part of an extensive experimental and analytical study to investigate the behaviour of timber shear walls subjected to earthquakes. The results from the nail connection tests were used in a larger study of timber shear walls. The nonlinear load–deflection curves were used for modelling the nail connection between the sheathing and the framing of the shear walls. The dependency of the nail connection on the grain orientation of the timber materials is investigated along with the evidence that the material properties of the nails are the primary parameters for the load–displacement characteristics of the connection made with hot-dipped, galvanized common nails. Both the monotonic and cyclic lateral behaviours of the connections are established. The premise that the hysteresis for the nail connection is contained within an envelope defined by the monotonic load–displacement curve is confirmed. These connection characteristics translate into similar behaviour in nailed timber shear walls. Therefore, an improved undertanding of the principal connection used in the construction of shear walls will also improve the understanding of the behaviour of shear walls. Key words: connections, nails, plywood, waferboard, monotonic, cyclic, shear wall.