Experimental investigation on sheathing-to-framing connections in wood shear walls

For the horizontal stability of timber framed buildings, diaphragm action in the walls is of crucial importance. The structural behaviour and capacity of wall diaphragms are primarily dependent on the sheathing-to-timber connections. Holding down and shear transfer are limiting criteria of importance. Tests on connections between sheathing panel and wood stud were carried out. Different types of sheathing materials and connectors were combined. OSB with different thickness (12 and 15 mm) and gypsum-fibre panel were tested. Nails and staples were used to connect the panels to the wooden studs. Monotonic and cyclic destructive tests were performed on different connections to determine how the different systems behave. Comparison between different standard were carried out.