The American Wood Council (AWC) has released an updated version of its free Connection Calculator.
The tool is based on the provisions the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction that is referenced in the 2015 International Building Code. The updated calculator includes cross-laminated timber (CLT) connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.
The tool provides an app-based approach for calculating capacities for single bolts, nails, lag screws, and wood screws. It offers a convenient way to determine both lateral and withdrawal connection values, and includes adjustment factors for temperature, wet service, varying load durations, and end grain.
Single- and double-shear capacities can be determined, as well as wood-to-wood, wood-to-concrete, and wood-to-steel connections, using a variety of solid sawn lumber, glulam, and CLT species, and wood structural panels. For connections loaded in shear, the calculator presents results for each of the NDS-prescribed yield modes and calls out the controlling result.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2016
Making concrete greener
The high energy-consuming material can be made more sustainably.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2016
Historic preservation moving beyond saving grand old buildings
National Trust for Historic Preservation CEO says the focus is on saving cities, not just buildings
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
Los Angeles voters will decide whether high-density developments should be harder to build
A March vote on the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative would put 2-year ban on zoning changes
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
New sustainable landscape development and management credential launched
GBCI offered the first testing opportunity Oct. 3 at Greenbuild
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
Obama administration will spend $80 million for smart cities initiatives
The technology is targeted for climate, transportation, resiliency.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
New York City files criminal charges on owner for deadly building façade accident
The owner allegedly did not heed warning about danger of the crumbling exterior.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2016
New York becomes the first city to adopt a target for energy storage
Mayor de Blasio also announces increased solar generation goals
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2016
New global residential floor space measurement standard unveiled
The new standards will produce better transparency and are said to benefit investors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2016
Dept. of Energy forecasts big jump in LED use, resulting energy savings
Big gains are expected in both commercial and residential markets.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
San Francisco commercial, multifamily regulations aim to reduce traffic volume
City planners will require design features to cut miles driven.