Lateral Performance of Light Wood Diaphragms with Different Structural Configurations under Monotonic Load

Light wood diaphragms are the main horizontal structural components in light wood frame constructions. Their lateral performance has a close relationship with the seismic performance of whole structure. There are various configurations such as sheathing thickness, nail size, nail spacing and joist spacing which affect the lateral performance of light wood diaphragms. In this paper, nine light wood diaphragms with different structural configurations under monotonic load are studied using FEM analysis. It is found sheathing thickness, nail size and nail spacing all have a lot to do with the overall lateral performance of light wood diaphragms, while the influence of joist spacing is limited.

Analysis of wood diaphragms and trusses. Part II: Truss-plate connections

An analysis of truss-plate connections is presented, taking into account the nonlinear character of the load–deformation relationship. The connection is considered as ‘continuous’ because of the high density of teeth, and connector properties are derived from those for a single tooth. Parameters considered in the analysis include the actual shape of the connected area, gaps between connected members, the buckling capacity of the plate, and its yielding in tension and shear. Good agreement is shown in a comparison between theoretical and experimental results using a single connection under eccentric loading.

Analysis of wood diaphragms and trusses. Part I: Diaphragms

An analysis for wood diaphragms is presented taking into account the deformation of the connections. The load–deformation characteristics for the connectors are assumed to be nonlinear. A numerical example is presented and comparisons are made with experimental results on a 20-ft by 60-ft (6-m by 18-m) plywood and decking roof diaphragm. The agreement between the test results and the predictions of the analysis is shown to be good.