Wind-Loading Effects on Roof-to-Wall Connections of Timber Residential Buildings

Abstract

AbstractExtensive damage to residential wood-frame buildings caused by failures of roof-to-wall connections during extreme wind events underscores the need to improve their performance. Most of these connections use mechanical connectors, e.g., metal clips and straps (sometimes referred to as hurricane clips and hurricane straps). The allowable capacity of these connectors is based on results of unidirectional component tests that do not simulate multiaxial aerodynamic loading effects induced by high wind events. The objective of this research was to facilitate a better understanding of these loading effects on roof-to-wall connections of a typical low-rise gable roof residential structure subjected to combined impacts of wind and a potential breach of the building envelope. Large-scale experiments on a heavily instrumented building model generated multiaxial aerodynamic loading data on roof-to-wall connections for various wind angles of attack and internal pressure conditions. The results showed the seve...