MODELING OF METAL-PLATE-CONNECTED WOOD TRUSS JOINTS: PART II—APPLICATION TO OVERALL TRUSS MODEL

摘要

A previously developed, three-dimensional (3-D) finite-element (FE) joint model and several two-dimensional (2-D), beam-element based FE models with different joint-stiffness assumptions (pinned, rigid, and semi-rigid) were used to analyze the full-scale behavior of a metal-plate-connected (MPC) wood scissors truss. The truss displacement and force results were investigated for sensitivity with respect to the modeling approach. To validate the assumption that the overall truss displacement predictions from different models were realistic, the results were compared to and shown to be within 10% of the experimental results. Greater variability existed between the truss member force and moment results, as predicted by various models, depending on the modeling approach used. The 3-D model’s predictions of moments at the heel joint were significantly higher than the predictions of 2-D models. The differences in results demonstrated the importance of selecting a modeling approach capable of accurately predicting member force and moment distributions. The 3-D model, developed primarily for detailed analyses of individual MPC joints, was successful at predicting selected displacements of the test truss. Its use demonstrated a potential for future application of such models in the analysis and design of MPC trusses.