Design of Mass Timber Connections

Mass timber connection design is equally as much about understanding wood science and the physical behavior of wood as it is about understanding engineering and structural design procedures. Moisture-related shrinkage and the swelling behavior of wood can severely compromise connection capacity over time. Equilibrium moisture content exceeding approximately 20% can foster the growth of decay-causing organisms in untreated wood. Steel-bearing supports are ubiquitous on modern mass timber construction projects. A shear connection in its simplest form consists of two wood members that are being fastened by inserting a connector perpendicular to their surface. Toe-nail connections are typically used in light-frame construction because they mainly involve small members and light load transfer found in light-frame construction.