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Thesis

French

ID: <

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11794/19661

>

Where these data come from
Assessment of connection systems for prefabricated wood walls

Abstract

The objective of this research was the evaluation of connection systems for prefabricated light-frame wall-panels for potential improvement. The performance criteria were the resistance and compliance with North-American building codes for high-wind and seismic zones. The studied connection systems were chosen according to their ease of installation, low cost and availability. Three inter-segment connection configurations joining prefabricated wall segments were studied. Nine out-of-plane bending tests and eighteen static and cyclic racking tests were conducted on full-size walls. Results of bending tests indicate that the type of inter-segment connection did not influence the behaviour of the assembled walls. However, the attachment to the foundation with bolts allowed for reaching higher capacity and stiffness. On average, the assembled walls resisted pressures equal to 4.3 kPa, which corresponds to 232 km/h wind-speed. The racking tests results indicated that the configuration of inter-segment connection did not have a significant influence on the performance of wall assemblies. The walls with hold-down anchors showed a double resistance in comparison with walls without hold-downs. Shear capacities of tested walls were in close agreement with the design values specified in CSA-086 for shear walls except for one monotonic test of a non-anchored specimen. Finite element models were used to study the behaviour of walls assemblies subjected to in plane racking and out-of-plane bending loads. Auxiliary tests on nailed and screw connections provided input data for the model. Modeling results showed satisfactory predictions for identifying the failure zones and describing non-linear behaviour of prefabricated walls. The collected information contributes to a quantitative analysis of conventional and engineered light-frame walls. This information is crucial for the development of design methodologies for lateral load resisting systems of prefabricated houses.

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