Lateral Load Path and Capacity of Exterior Decks

Abstract

AbstractExterior decks must be designed to resist all applicable load cases. Vertical (gravity) loads are well defined, but less is known about designing decks for lateral loading. The focus of this study was to better understand the ultimate strength and load paths of two common deck constructions subjected to monotonic lateral loading. A portion of a conventional light-frame wood-floor diaphragm was built, to which the decks were attached. One deck was constructed with a lateral hold-down tension connector and the other deck had no hold-down tension connector. The lateral resistance and load path of each deck were investigated by applying a monotonic force through the centroid of the deck surface. The ledger board was connected to the house rim board with lag screws. Forces in each lag screw and hold-down connecting the deck to the diaphragm were recorded. Preliminary tests revealed a weakness in the deck joist–to–deck ledger connection; this was resolved by using joist hangers that featured a perpendic...