Effects of Decay on the Mechanical Properties of Nailed Joints in Light Wood Frame Structure

Abstract

Abstract For this study, spruce–pine–fir (Picea–Pinus–Abies [SPF]) specification material, oriented strand board (OSB), and domestic twisted nails that were driven vertically and perpendicular-to-grain were selected. Referring to GB/T 13942.1-2009, nailed joints specimens were exposed both to white rot fungus and brown rot fungus for 1 month to 6 months. The monotonous loading test was applied to the specimens based on ASTM D1761-88. The holding power of the nails and weight loss of both OSB and SPF were investigated. Theoretical maximum load of the nailed joints was calculated according to Eurocode5. Results illustrated that the load, stiffness, and energy consumption of the nailed joints showed significant linear decline with the decay time. A linear decline of the ductility coefficient was not obvious, and there was no obvious difference between white rot fungus and brown rot fungus. Effect of decay on the OSB was much greater than the impact on the SPF. The decay grade of the nailed joints was established according to the linear relationship between weight loss and maximum load. Based on Eurocode5, the study calculated the maximum load of the nailed joints and introduced the correction coefficient γ to better predict the maximum load.