Path Dependence in OSB Sheathing-to-Framing Nailed Connection Revealed by Biaxial Testing

AbstractOriented strand board (OSB) sheathing-to-wood framing connections, as typically used in light-frame shear walls, were experimentally examined in a novel biaxial test setup with respect to possible path dependence of the load-displacement relation. The connection with an annular-ringed shank nail was loaded under displacement control following nine different displacement paths within the sheathing plane, which coincided at a number of points. At intersection points, the resultant connection force, its orientation, and work performed on the connection system to reach the specific point were calculated and compared. Evaluation of experiments revealed significant path dependence with respect to the orientation of force resultants at path intersection points. However, the magnitude of the forces and the work carried out showed relatively small dependence of the displacement path undertaken. Comparison of uniaxial connection tests with the European yield model demonstrated a strong contribution of withdrawal resistance of the ringed shank nail to its lateral strength. Results of this type are a valuable basis on which to build better models when simulating such connections in wood structures.