Development of a hurricane-resistant roof-to-wall connection using high-performance fiber composites

Abstract

Significant portion of losses in hurricanes occur due to a discontinuous load path and weak connections. The purpose of this study was to develop an innovative, efficient and non-intrusive roof-to-wall connection for wood-frame structures using high-performance fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials. The development of new connections was carried out at the component level tests. Initially the bond strength between FRP and wood interface was investigated. Subsequently, a progressive FRP tie development test was conducted and several alternatives were tested and the most feasible one was chosen. The new FRP tie was then tested in a full-scale wood-frame structure to assess the in-situ performance under simulated uplift forces. The results of full-scale tests were in close agreement with the results obtained at the component level. The FRP tie system offers an easy-to-apply, non-intrusive and rather stiff alternative to existing metal connectors for both new construction and existing structures.