Rational designing of double-sided nail plate joints using the finite element method

Double-sided punched metal plate timber fasteners present projections on both sides, which offer improved joint fire resistance and better joint aesthetics. In this paper, 3-D nonlinear finite element models were developed to simulate double-sided nail plate fastener timber joints. The models, incorporating orthotropic elasticity, Hill?s yield criterion and elasto-plasticity and contact algorithms, are capable of simulating complex contact between the tooth and the timber and between the base plate and the timber in a fastener. Using validated models, parametric studies of the double-sided nail plate joints was undertaken to cover the tooth length and the tooth width. Optimal configuration was assumed to have been attained when increase in nail plate tooth width did not result in a raise in joint capacity, in conjunction with the optimum tooth length. This paper presents the first attempt to model and optimise tooth profile of double-sided nail plate fastener timber joints, which offers rational designs of such fasteners.