Torsional Effects on Structural Self-Tapping Screws in Canadian Douglas Fir

With a growing concern to reduce carbon emissions, timber construction has is experiences a rebirth in Canada and abroad. The availably of engineered wood products, innovations in manufacturing, and changes in the building codes are some incentives for timber becoming a materials choice. Connecting these large timber members is done efficiently with the help of structural self-tapping screws. These steel screws, developed in Europe, are capable withstanding relatively high loads due to their unique design. They are rapidly installed without the need for pre-drilling hole with the help of the self-cutting tip on the screw. When inserted into timber, a considerable amount of torsional stresses are produced. The purpose of this study is to understand how these stresses impact the ultimate capacity of the screws. A series of experimental tests will be performed before and after the screws have been inserted into Canadian Douglas Fir under dry and wet conditions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Colin MacDougall

Student:

Manoah Gutknecht

Partner:

MyTiCon Timber Connectors Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Queen's University