Uplift Capacity of Light-Frame Rafter to Top Plate Connections
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 3, Issue 4
Abstract
An experimental testing program was conducted to investigate the uplift capacity of various rafter to top plate connections. Rather than simply testing the fastener in an ideal test specimen configuration, attention is paid to more realistic test specimens that account for as-built conditions. Consideration is also given to repetitive systems of these connections such as would be found in roof systems. The results from this investigation provide basic data on failure modes and capacities. Comparisons are made between test values, calculated design values, and manufacturers' published values. In addition to metal straps, alternative connection methods such as adhesives are investigated, and consideration is given to both new construction and retrofit of existing structures. The results from this study are used to develop possible schedules for rafter to top plate connections considering different roof slopes, rafter lengths, wind speeds, exposures, and internal pressures.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Connectors for wood construction product & instruction manual. (1995). Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc., Catalog C-95H-1, Pleasanton, Calif.
2.
Keith, E. L., and Rose, J. D. (1992). “Hurricane Andrew—Structural performance of buildings in Southern Florida, APA Rep. T92-21, Am. Plywood Assoc., Tacoma, Wash.
3.
“Minimum design loads for buildings and other structures.” (1993). ASCE 7-93, ASCE, New York, N.Y.
4.
Mizzell, D. (1994). “Wind resistance of sheathing for residential roofs,” MS thesis, Civ. Engrg. Dept., Clemson Univ., Clemson, S.C.
5.
National design specification for wood construction. (1991). American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, D.C.
6.
North Carolina Building Code. (1995). North Carolina Building Code Council, Raleigh, N.C.
7.
Pye Jr., S. J. (1995). “Effect of in-service conditions on the withdrawal capacity of roof sheathing fasteners,” MS thesis, Civ. Engrg. Dept., Clemson Univ., Clemson, S.C.
8.
Reed, T. D., Rosowsky, D. V., and Schiff, S. D. (1996). “Uplift capacity of rafter-to-top-plate connections in light-frame construction.”Blue Sky Proj. Rep., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Clemson Univ., Clemson, S.C. May.
9.
“Standard for load and resistance factor design (LRFD) for engineered wood construction.” (1995). ASCE 16-95, ASCE, New York, N.Y.
10.
Zaitz, M. D. (1994). “Roof sheathing racking effects on fastener withdrawal capacities,” MS thesis, Civ. Engrg. Dept., Clemson Univ., Clemson, S.C.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 3 • Issue 4 • December 1997
Pages: 156 - 163
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Dec 1, 1997
Published in print: Dec 1997
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.