Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper presents an experimental investigation into the translational behavior of timber joints formed with steel gusset plates and connected by fully overlapping nails. Over 1,200 joints have been tested and their load – displacement characteristics studied, incorporating all of the factors that have influence on the strength and stiffness behavior of the joints. Using an empirical approach, a load – displacement model enveloping all displacement states up to failure is developed. The model incorporating characteristic properties is compared with the behavior of equivalent joints designed in accordance with Eurocode 5 rules. The comparison gives variable results and raises questions over the validity of the function being proposed in the code to allow for the effect of nail row spacing on joint strength.