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 | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2020
Recent Dept. of Energy grants emphasize grid-interactive building technology
National labs, universities, businesses selected for total of $74 million in funding.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2020
At least 13 states create incentives for utilities to use demand response programs
Practice optimizes power grid, incorporates more renewable power.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2020
Living Future Institute’s JUST program helps measure progress on sustainability, social justice
Functions as a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2020
Commercial Building Energy Saver Wins R&D 100 Award
Software toolkit enables access to deep energy retrofit and zero-net energy strategies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council launches faster energy performance testing system
New windows, doors, and skylights will get to market faster.
