Lateral Load Carrying Capacity of Laminated Bamboo Lumber and Oriented Strand Board Connections

Abstract

Laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) is regarded as an alternative framing material for the construction industry. However, there is limited knowledge of its behavior in connection with commonly used sheathing material, such as oriented strand board (OSB). This study characterized the lateral load carrying capacity of LBL-OSB connections and studied the applicability of the yield models presented in the national design specifications to LBL connections. Two different connection geometries, edge and plate, which were representative of those present in a wall, were analyzed. The strength of the connections was characterized using monotonic testing. After the destructive testing, portions of the framing and sheathing materials from the samples were further evaluated for dowel bearing strength. Experimental results indicate that the LBL-OSB connections have similar lateral load carrying capacity as conventional Douglas fir-OSB connections. No statistical significance was observed in the strength differences of edge and plate connection geometries. The results further indicated that existing yield models used for design of nailed connections can predict the capacity and the mode of yielding for edge connection geometry between OSB sheathing and LBL framing members of grade and dimensions considered in this study, provided that the dowel bearing capacity of the materials is known.