LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN METAL PLATE CONNECTORS OF TENSION JOINTS IN WOOD TRUSSES

An elastic foundation model was used to determine the load distribution along the tooth array of four metal connector plate types. The load was not uniformly distributed along any plate type. In three out of four plate types, the row next to the centerline was found to transfer the highest load. One plate type which had uniform tooth layout was modified to achieve better load (stress) distribution. The same plate type was also studied to examine the effect of tooth damage on load redistribution. No substantial load redistribution was found when three teeth were assumed damaged. A lumped parameter (beta-1) was found to be critical in characterizing tooth length. Three plate types had values of beta-1 nearly optimal for stiffness. An analysis of error propagation was performed and it was found that the largest error was introduced by the variability in the foundation modulus of the wood followed by the moment of inertia of the tooth.