Modeling Timber Moment Connection under Reversed Cyclic Loading

Moment-resisting connections containing mechanical fasteners play an important role in energy-absorption capability, and therefore resistance against collapse, of timber frames subjected to loading from extreme events such as earthquake. Accurate characterization of moment–rotation response of these connections is an important prerequisite for reliable prediction of timber frame response to seismic loads. Using a previously developed single-fastener finite element model as a basis, a mathematical model was developed to predict the moment–rotation response of timber connection containing multifasteners under reversed cyclic loading. This model generates the response prediction from basic material properties of the fasteners and wood. This paper describes the development of the model and provides test results to validate the accuracy of the model prediction. It is shown that the predicted response of a multinail connection agrees well with experimental data. Once the model is further validated with a broader range of test results, it can be incorporated into frame analysis models for predicting system response.