A finite element model that predicts stiffness for metal-plate-connected (MPC) tension splice joint of wood trusses is developed. The commercial software ABAQUS was used in developing the model. The model is two-dimensional, and the properties of the wood and metal plate are assumed to be linearly isotropic. Contacts between wood and teeth of the metal plate are modeled with finite sliding formulation. The contact elements model the slip behavior that occurs at the wood-tooth interface. The tangential contact properties are set to a specified coefficient of friction while the normal contact properties are set to a "hard" contact formulation, allowing for a possible separation of the nodes after contact is achieved. Contact elements represent the stiffness of the interface, and stiffness is lost once the contact elements are disengaged due to tooth withdrawal. Model predictions are validated against experimentally measured stiffness values obtained in the literature. The data covers two wood species and three levels of modulus of elasticity (MOE). The model predicts within 5 percent of the experimentally measured stiffness values.
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