Destructive Testing of Metal‐Plate‐Connected Wood Truss Joints

Abstract

Load‐displacement characteristics and failure modes of metal‐plate‐connected wood truss joints are presented. Tension splice, heel, and web at the bottom chord joints are fabricated using southern pine (SP) no. 2 lumber and 20‐gage punched metal plates. These joints are tested with a newly developed testing appratus that allows the testing of all three joints without major modifications. In‐plane loads are applied to simulate the loads carried by truss members. The computerized testing apparatus and methods show potential as an efficient testing procedure to assess joint behavior. The average strength of tension splice, heel, and web at the lower chord joints is 27.0 kN, 22.7 kN, and 16.7 kN, respectively. The failure of the heel joint is characterized as ductile, and that of the tension splice and web at the bottom chord joints as brittle. The failure of the joints is a combination of wood and teeth failure. The results are useful for semirigid joint analysis and design of metal‐plate‐connected wood trusses.