Nailed connections are very common and quite cost effective. Where no pre-drilling of timber is required, gun driven nails can be used to efficiently and effectively provide a connection between two pieces of timber. Nails driven into the timber spread the fibres apart. Generally, nails don't cut or break the timber fibres, so the strength of the member is not compromised. The tensile strength of the timber member therefore remains unaffected by the nailed connection.
Screws are installed into a drilled hole, by turning the screw and allowing the flutes on the thread of the screw to draw it in. The hole diameter is the same as the root diameter of the threads. The thread cuts into the fibre structure and forms a mechanical bond with the wood.
This section contains the following resource:
- Capacity of Nailed and Screwed Connections
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