Breakthrough in wood-frame shear wall performance with wooden nails

Modern architecture increasingly favors timber structures for their sustainability and energy efficiency. However, traditional metal connectors used in these structures often suffer from corrosion and reduced durability. Now, researchers from Nanjing Forestry University have developed an innovative solution using wooden nails, offering a sustainable and durable alternative.
The study, published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, investigates the lateral resistance performance of wood-frame shear walls using wooden nail connections. The research team conducted monotonic loading tests on 64 nail joints across eight groups, considering factors such as sheathing panel material (oriented strand board (OSB) and structural plywood (SP)), thickness, nail diameter, spacing, and cap configuration. The results show that wooden nails can significantly enhance the shear-bearing capacity and stiffness of the connections. Specifically, joints with SP sheathing panels exhibited higher shear capacity than those with OSB. Increasing nail diameter and reducing spacing also improved load-bearing capacity and stiffness.
The study also employed finite element simulations using OpenSees software to analyze the lateral resistance of full-scale wood-frame shear walls. The simulations revealed that sheathing panel configuration, material, and thickness significantly influence the overall performance of the walls. Double-sided sheathing with OSB demonstrated the highest shear strength and energy dissipation capacity.
This research provides a sustainable alternative to traditional metal fasteners, addressing environmental concerns and improving the long-term durability of timber structures. The findings offer valuable insights for the design and construction of eco-friendly and resilient wood-frame buildings.
 

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DOI

10.1016/j.jobab.2025.04.002

Original Source URL

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969825000362

Journal