Monotonic and cyclic characterization of multilayer sheathing-to-wood frame connection

Abstract

Light frame timber building (LFTB) is one of the structural systems evaluated by the Chilean construction industry to eventually replace mid-rise concrete and steel buildings, which will improve the sustainability of the building inventory. Since Chile is subjected to high levels of seismic activity, it is then important to understand the dynamic behavior of LFTBs designed for earthquake loads. However, current mechanical models do not consider the multiple layers (structural and non-structural) of shear walls. In this paper, the monotonic and cyclic characterization of the wood frame-to-OSB nailed connection and the multilayer sheathing (OSB+GYB)-to-wood frame connection (screwed or stapled) are evaluated through experimental tests. Six engineering parameters were established from monotonic test results based on the Equivalent Energy Elastic-Plastic (EEEP) approach. Results of load-slip connection tests were used to calibrate the MSTEW hysteretic model. This joint level sheathing-to-frame model will be incorporated into a future multilayer wood-frame shear wall model that takes into consideration the contribution of finishes layers such as the ones used for fire protection in LFTBs.