Study on timber compression forces induced by self-tapping screw fasteners

The study reported herein aimed at determining the amount of compression force that a single screw fastener can introduce into the timber elements that it is connecting. This force represents the most important parameter in defining the camber value that can be achieved with the original cambering method proposed for timber floors by the University of Trento. Such technique sees the joists bent upward without the imposition of any external force other than that produced by the fasteners connecting the joists to the timber reinforcing elements (e.g., planks, panels, joists) that are placed on top of them.