Fastener and Connector Structural Design Capacities
April 8, 2020
New Zealand is seeing an ever increasing offering in timber fasteners and connectors, and careful consideration must be given to performance depending on whether these continue to be intended simply for NZS 3604 structures or also for applications in Mid-Rise/Medium Density Housing, Commercial, or Industrial timber buildings. Joint slip and fastener or connector deformation, often ignored in NZS 3604 residential designs, can have a significant impact on the overall stability and performance of taller, larger, or higher importance level buildings. As can manufacturers and suppliers using appropriate test methods to determine structural component design capacities applicable to NZ.
Test and Analysis Protocols to Derive Characteristic Capacities
The NZ Timber Structures Standard (NZS 3603), includes methodology to determine Characteristic load capacities. Based on the Australian Standard AS1649 it provides an estimate of the 5th percentile strength value; that is, 95% of the time a particular fastener or connector will exceed the published Characteristic capacity. Overseas product capacities don’t always follow NZS 3603 or AS1649 protocols and hence may not be aligned for use with NZ design standards.
Consideration of Joint Slip or Connector Deformation
The NZS3603 methodology does not limit joint slip or fastener/connector deformation at Characteristic capacities. Manufacturers often draw awareness to this with statements in product literature that considerable slip or deformation can be expected at Characteristic capacity limits. While this might be acceptable for NZS 3604 buildings, other timber structures should use reduced characteristic capacities with joint slip limits applied.
Taller or Larger Timber Structures
Simpson Strong-Tie recommends designers use joint slip limited Characteristic capacities as this achieves superior performance; Simpson Strong-Tie globally is passionate about ‘building safer, stronger structures’. The joint slip limits at which Characteristic capacities are published are readily provided in the footnotes of load capacity tables published in Simpson Strong-Tie catalogues.
NZS 3604 Buildings
For buildings within the scope of NZS 3604, where Characteristic Capacities as per NZS 3603 without joint slip consideration may be acceptable, designers can choose to refer to Simpson Strong-Tie’s NZS 3604 Characteristic Capacities Timber Connectors Catalogue, or feel free to give us a call for a hard copy.
-- Authored By Daniel Scheibmair
Structural Connections
Unmatched Quality from the Truss to the Foundation
With nearly 60 years of field and R&D experience, Simpson Strong-Tie® timber connectors are manufactured to the industry's highest standards. From framing angles to straps to heavy-duty joist hangers, we offer the most diverse product line so that you have the right product for the job.
Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors offer unmatched quality with laboratory and field testing, and are backed by our uncompromising commitment to customer service. As the company that built the connector industry, you can count on Simpson Strong-Tie® to work closely with builders, engineers and building officials to deliver innovative, building code-compliant solutions to help build safer, stronger structures economically. Download the Timber Connectors NZS 3604 Catalogue.
Timber Connectors
From testing to service to availability, everything we do is engineered to ensure your project's success. With every product, you know you are getting the quality, value, service and on-time delivery that we have built our reputation on for the past 60 years.
From straps and ties to joist hangers and much more, Simpson Strong-Tie® structural connectors increase the strength and safety of timber-frame structures. Each connector is unique to Simpson Strong-Tie and is designed for specific applications without the need to adapt metal plating to suit a connection. Download the Timber Construction Connectors Catalogue (2016-2018).
Steel Frame Connectors
From fully tested and engineered connectors and clips Simpson Strong-Tie® provides comprehensive structural solutions for cold-formed steel construction. From steel-to-steel connections to full-scale lateral solutions and curtain wall connectors, we remain committed to developing new technology that helps to advance the cold-formed steel industry.
Find out how Simpson Strong-Tie timber connectors can help you build the right way every day. Download the Cold-Fromed Steel Construction Connectors Catalogue.
