Modeling Horizontally Nail‐Laminated Beams

Abstract

A nonlinear, two‐dimensional, finite element method of analysis is developed for multilayered, horizontally nail‐laminated beams. Nodal load‐displacement relationships are formulated for a special nail element using direct physical arguments. The nail element is used to model nail shear joints between layers, and it is the only element in addition to the conventional plane‐frame element that is needed to model the laminated assemblies. The method of analysis is versatile in that no limitation need be placed on the number of layers in the assembly, nor do the layers have to be continuous or complete. The wood members used in an assembly can be of different height, width, and stiffness. No restriction need be placed on the location, number, or variety of fasteners used in an assembly. Likewise, no constraints need be placed on the type, number, or location of supports. While the method of analysis was developed for nail‐laminated beams, it can also be used to analyze beams fabricated with semirigid adhesive.