Relationship between fastening properties and load- deflection response of wood shear walls

Current analytical shear wall models are only accurate up to a moderate load level and with certain limitations. An objective of this thesis is to indentify an analytical shear wall model that has the potential to be adopted as a design tool. A key contribution of this thesis is the development of a nail joint load-slip response model because nail joint load-slip response is the key property governing the behaviour of shear walls. One hundred and thirty five of nail joint tests covering the following material ranges were conducted: lumber density of 300 - 525 (kg/m3), sheathing thickness of 9.5 -- 18.5 (mm) and nail diameter of 2.5 -- 4.1 (mm). Shear wall tests with the same materials were conducted. The analytical shear wall model incorporating the new nail joint model was evaluated by wall tests data from this project and another source. The proposed model is able to match the deflection of wall more closely than the current model near ultimate load.