Influence of the Loading Protocol and Loading Rate on the Characteristics of Timber Nail Joints

Abstract

Nail joints are one of the key components that control the lateral performance of light wood frame shear walls. In previous experimental studies, researchers have used different loading rates, which failed specimens from less than a minute to more than an hour, to study the characteristics of nail joints. Moreover, there have been different loading protocols used for testing of timber nail joints or shear walls. Although some efforts have been made to address this subject, it is still unclear how the loading protocol and loading rate may influence the performance of nail joints. In this study, a total of 96 nail joints tests were carried out under monotonic and reversed-cyclic loads at three different loading rates, and under three different loading protocols (ISO, CUREE and SPD). The results of the test revealed that the loading rate did not have a noticeable effect on the mechanical properties of nail joints, while the loading protocol did influence those properties. Especially, protocols with larger cumulative damage demands lead to lower ultimate displacement and ductility of nail joints.