TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapters 12 and 13 covered the basic fasteners that are in the construction of wood buildings. In addition to these fasteners, most wood connections involve some type of metal connection hardware. This hardware may be a simple tension strap, but considerably more complicated devices are often used.
This chapter introduces some typical connection hardware details. A critique of the connection accompanies a number of the details, and particular attention is given to the effects of cross-grain shrinkage. These principles should be given special attention if it is necessary to design, detail, and fabricate special connection hardware. An example of several connection hardware calculations is given after the general review.
In a number of cases, prefabricated connection hardware may be available for common connections. In any event, the basic principles of connection design should be understood by the designer. The chapter concludes with a review of some typical prefabricated connection hardware.
The hardware used in a connection must itself be capable of supporting the design loads, and the structural steel design principles of Refs. 14.2 and 14.5 should be used to determine the required plate thickness and weld sizes. Some of these principles are demonstrated in examples, but a comprehensive review of steel design is beyond the scope of this book.
Some suggested details for common wood connections are included in Refs. 14.3, 14.4, and 14.6, with an emphasis on avoiding cross-grain cracking caused by changes in moisture content. These details are aimed at minimizing restraint...
