Modeling Bolted Connections in Wood: Review

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion of salient issues surrounding the modeling and performance of bolted connections in wood construction. To understand the complex behavior of bolted joints under load, a number of key issues related to connection geometry, material, and mechanics need to be understood. Issues addressed in this paper include the design philosophy of bolted joints (allowable stress and reliability-based design), the influence of connection geometry on behavior under load, and a discussion of previous models that have been used to predict connection performance. Discussions of the key models used to predict connection behavior, including the European yield model, which currently serves as a basis for allowable connection load in U.S. codes, and various failure criteria are presented. Of particular interest is the discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the two-dimensional (2D) models that have been used historically to quantify connection behavior. These are seen relative to developments in three-dimensional (3D) modeling of bolted connections. The contributions of modeling pin/wood contact surfaces to connection behavior prediction are also considered.