A?DS Commentay Copyright © 1999, 2004 by American Forest & Paper Association, Inc., Washington, D.C.

PART XII: NAILS AND SPIKES

12.1-GENERAL nails to attach studs tobottomand top plates are

standard practicesaccepted by most building codes.
12.1.1-General Provisions
The provisionrecognizing the useof standard
Provisions for common steelwirenails and spikes nailingschedules (126) inlieuofdesigning joints for
havebeen part of the Specificationsincethe 1944 specific loads wasfirst introduced in the 1982 edition.
edition. Threaded hardened-steelnails and boxnails
were added in the 1962 edition and the 1977 edition, 12.1.2-Quality of Nails and Spikes
respectively.
12.1.2.1 Standard diameters for thevarioustypes
Differencesin Nail Types. For thesamepenny- of nails and spikes were tabulated in previous editions
weightclassification and length, round spikeshavea of
the
Specification. In the 1991 edition, Federal
larger shank diameter than common nails and may Specification FF-N-1O5B (70) is referenced as the basic
have either a chisel point and countersunk oval head or dimensional standard. Paragraphs 3.6.5, 3.6.11.2, 3.16.9
a diamond point with a flat head. Spikes over 60d are and 3.9-Style 3 of this Federal Specification cover steel
generallyspecified by length (57,70). wirebox
nails,
steel
wire common nails,pallet or
threadedhardenedsteelnails, andround steelwire
Threaded or deformed shank hardened-steelnails spikes,respectively. Nails or spikes outside the diame-
include both ring or annularly threaded and helically ter and length classes covered in the Federal Specifica-
threaded nails. For equivalent pennyweight and length, tion for eachtypemay be available. Provisions of the
hardened-steel nails have a smaller shank diameter than 1991 editionmaybeapplied to suchnails or spikes
common nails for pennyweights of 8d and larger. The when the applicable diameters and lengths are specified
head diameter of 20d and smaller hardened-steel nails and used to detennine designvalues.
is larger than that ofthecorresponding common nail
but is smaller for largersizes(thoseover 4 inchesin The nailprovisionsof the 1991 editionalsoapply
length) (70). to common wire nails made of copper or aluminum
alloy conforming to thesizesgiven for suchmetalsin
Box nailshave smaller
a shank diameter than FederalSpecificationFF-N-105B. It isthedesigner’s
commonnailsofequivalentpennyweight. The head responsibility to use appropriate bending yield strengths
diameter ofboxnailsislarger than that ofcommon for such metals when determining lateral design values
nails for sizesless than 10d, is thesame for the 10d in accordancewith 12.3 andto assurethetensile,
to 16d sizes and issmaller for sizes 20d and larger bearing and shear strengths of the fastener are adequate
(70). to resist loads being transferred through the fastener to
Nail Specifications. The requirement that nails the wood members in the joint (see 7.2.3 of Specifica-
intended for use in engineering construction be specified tion).
by length and diameter wasintroducedinthe 1986 12.1.2.3 The requirements for threadedhardened-
edition. The specification also
should
include
head steel
nails
haveremain
unchanged
since
the 1962
diameter if the nail is produced in more than one head edition.
diameter for the same length and shank diameter; and
thread type or head and pointtype if other than 12.1.3-Fabrication and Assembly
common or box nails are to be used (70).
12.1.3.1 A limitation on the size of prebored holes
General Construction. Most nailed joints in light for nails and spikeswasfirstintroducedinthe 1952
framewood construction are not engineered but are edition.Suchholes werelimited to 75 percent of the
made in accordancewith standard practices that have diameterof
the
fastener. In the 1962 edition, the
been established from manyyearsoffieldexperience limitation waschanged to 90 percent forGroup I
(126). Suchpractices are expressedin terns ofnailing species, those having a specific gravity of 0.62 or larger;
schedules which give the number, size and type of nail, and 75 percent for Group 11, I11 and IV species, those
and thedirectionofdriving(e.g.facenailing,toenail- havingaspecificgravity of 0.59 or less.Theseprovi-
ing) to be used for different connections. For example, sions were carried forward unchanged through the 1986
useof three 8d toenails to attach joists to a sill plate; edition. The limitation on preborednail and spike
anduseof four 8 d toenails or two 16d face or end holes remains the same in the 1991 edition except that

140 Nails and Spikes

 NDS Comentary

the separation between the most densespecies and was dropped from the Specificationin favor ofthe
other speciesisdefinedintermsofspecificgravity withdrawaldesignvalue table alone.
rather than fastener species groups. The latter are no
longer used for connection designinthe1991edition. Also inthe1962 edition, provisions for assigning
withdrawaldesignvalues to threaded hardenednails
12.1.3.2 Toenailing proceduresconsisting of slant were introduced. Suchnailswereassigned the same
drivingof nails at a 30” angle from thefaceofthe withdrawaldesignvalues as those for common wire
attached memberwith an end distance(distancebe- nailsof the samepennyweightclass.However,the
tween end of side member and initial point of entry) of procedure was modified in the 1968 edition to account
one-third the nail length have been part of the Specifi- for the fact that although the diameter of common wire
cation since the 1952 edition. Based on lateral and nails increases as pennyweightclassincreases from 20d
withdrawal tests of nailed joints in frame wall construc- to 60d, the diameters of threaded hardened nails in this
tion (62,160), the toenail factors of12.2.3 and 12.3.7 range and larger do not. The diameter of 30d, 40d,
presume use of these
driving
procedures and the 50d and 60d threaded hardened nailsisthesame as
absenceofexcessive splitting. If suchsplittingdoes that (0.177inches) for the 20d nail of thistype, and
occur, a smaller nail should beused. the diameter for 80d and 90d threaded hardened nails
was the same as that (0.207inches) for the 70d size.
12.2-WITHDRAWAL DESIGN VALUES To adjust for these differences, the 20d to 60d thread-
12.2.1-Withdrawal fromSide Grain ed hardened nails wereassigned the samewithdrawal
designvalue as that for20d commonnailshavinga
Background diameter of0.192inches. The 70d to 90d threaded
hardened nails
were
assigned the samewithdrawal
Withdrawal designvalues for nails and spikes are designvalue as that for acommonnailhavinga
based on the equation diameter whichwasin the same ratio tothe 70d
(C12.2-1) threaded hardened nail diameter of
0.207 as the
W = 1380 G5”D common to threaded nail diameter ratio for 20d nails,
where: or 0.192/0.177. This equivalent diameter 0.225
is
inches, the diameter of a 40d common nail. For 20d
W = nail or spikewithdrawaldesignvalueper and smallerpennyweightsof threaded hardenednails,
inch of penetration in member holding point, thesamewithdrawaldesignvalues as those for the
lbs equivalentsizecommonnailswereused as inthe
G = specificgravityofmemberholdingpoint previous edition.
based on oven dry weight and volume
D = shank diameter of the nail or spike,in. Withdrawal designvalues for boxnailsbasedon
Equation C12.2-1were introduced inthe1977edition.
Equation C12.2-1 was
based on earlyresearch The foregoingprocedures for establishingwithdrawal
(56,64) and has beenused to establishnail and spike design values for nails and spikes were carried forward
withdrawal
design
values
since
the
1944
edition. unchanged through the 1986 edition.
Withdrawal designvalues obtained from the equation
represented about one-fifth average ultimate test values 1991 Edition

Both Equation C12.2-1 and resultant tabulated mine which diameters apply to box nails, common nails
withdrawaldesignvalues for common wirenails and and spikes. Withdrawal design values for threaded
spikes by species were presented in the 1944 and 1948 hardened nails are givenina separate portion of Table
editions. In 1950, tabulated withdrawaldesignvalues 12.2A because of their different basis.

Nails and Spikes 141

NDS Commentmy

values for smooth-shank nails inserted

in
partially Ln /3
seasoned or wet wood that will seasoninservice or p , = Ln - - (C12.2-2)
cos30"
installedin dry wood that willbe subject to wetting
and drying inservice (see 7.3.3). = 0.615 Ln
Clinching. It is to be noted that the withdrawal where:
resistance of smooth-shank nails can besignificantly
increased by clinching(35).Increasesinwithdrawal p , = penetration of nail in member holding point,
resistanceof45 to 170percent due to clinchinghave in.
been reported when nails are tested soon after driving. Ln = lengthofnail,in.
Wheninstalledinunseasoned or partiallyseasoned
wood and tested after seasoning,increases of250 to 12.3-LATERAL DESIGN VALUES
460 percent as a result of clinching have been observed. 12.3.1-Wood-to-Wood Connections
Clinching across the grain was found to give 20 perceut
higherwithdrawaldesignvalues than clinchingalong Background
the grain. When a greater assurance of a givenlevel
of withdrawalresistanceisneededwith smooth-shank From the 1944 through the 1986 editions, lateral
nails, clinching should be considered. designvalues for nails and spikes loaded at anyangle
to grain werebased on the equation
12.2.2-Withdrawal from EndGrain
Z = KLD3" (C12.3-1)
Reduction of withdrawaldesignvalues up to 50
percenthavebeen reported for nailsdriven in end where:
grain surfaces (radial-tangential plane) as comparedto
side grain (radial-longitudinal or tangential-longitudinal 2 = nominalnail or spike lateral designvalue,
planes)surfaces
(57,160).
When coupled
with
the Ibs
effectsofseasoninginservice after fabrication, such KL = species group constant based on specific
reductions are considered too great for reliable design. gravity (G) ofwoodmembers
It is considered to be on this basis that loading of nails = 2040 Group I G = 0.62 - 0.75
2ndspikesinwithdrawal from end grain has been = 1650 Group I1 G = 0.51 - 0.55
prohibitedin the Specificationsince the 1944 edition. = 1350 Group I11 G = 0.42 - 0.49
= 1080 Group IV G = 0.31 - 0.41
12.2.3-Toe-NailFactor, Ctn D = nail or spike shank diameter, in.
The 0.67 adjustment of withdrawal design values for Equation C12.3-1wasbased on earlynailtests
toenailing has been a provision of the Specification (5739) and assumed certain minimum penetrations of
sincethe1951 edition. The adjustment isbased on the the fastener in the main member (see Commentary for
results
of joint tests comparing slant driving and 12.3.4).
Values
assigned to the constant KL gave
straight driving (57) and oftypicaltoenailed and end lateral design values that were approximately 75 percent
nailed joints usedin frame wall construction (160) of proportional limit test values. These values included
wherethe attached memberispulleddirectlyaway the originallyrecommended adjustment of 1.6
(57)
from the main member. It is applicable to joints increased 20 percent as part of the World War I1
fabricated at alllevels
of
seasoning. This includes emergencyincreaseinwooddesignvalues. The latter
multiple nail joints fabricated of unseasoned wood and adjustment wassubsequentlycodified as a 10percent
then loaded after seasoning (57,66,160). When properly increase for thechange from permanenttonormal
driven(see Commentary for 12.1.3.2),toenailingwith loading and 10 percent for experience (see Commentary
cross slant driving can produce stronger joints than end for 2.3.2). Nail lateral designvaluesof75percent of
or facenailing. For example, a stud to plate joint proportional limit values are about one-fifth maximum
made of four 8 d toenailswas reported to be stronger testvalues for softwoods and about one-ninth maxi-
than the same joint made withtwo 16d endnails mumtestvalues for hardwoods (57).
(62,160).
From the 1944 through the 1960 editions, the
Where toenailing is employed, the depth of penetra- -
individual group equations were presentedthe
in
tion of the nail in the member holding the point may Specification along with the listofspeciestowhich
be taken as the actual length of nail in the member as each applied. Beginning with the 1950 edition, tabulat-
shownin Figure C12.3-1, or (see12.1.3.2) ednail and spike lateral designvaluesbased on the

142 Nails and Spikes

 NDS Commentary

equations for each group were included in the Specifi- tional limitofanailed joint couldbeassumed to be
cation. Presentation of the lateral designvalue equa- associatedwithaslipof approximately 0.015 inches
tionswasthen discontinued beginningwiththe 1962 (65,160). As Equation C12.3-1 isconsideredto give
edition. In the 1960 and earlier editions,
nail
a average lateral design values that are about 75 percent
fastener group between Groups I1 and I11 was included of average proportional limittestvalues,the lateral
inthespecification for intermediate density hardwood design values tabulated in previous editions would index
species. This intermediate group also was dropped to an averageinitialslip of 0.011 inches. This defor-
beginning with the 1962 edition as most of the included mation level excludes the effects of any creep occurring
species were of little commercial importance. under design loads.
Prior to the 1971 edition, grain type and other 1991 Edition
features than specificgravity were taken into account
inclassifyingspecies into fastener groups. This was Nail and spike lateral designvaluesinthe 1991
evidenced by some specieswith
the
same
specific edition are based on application of the yieldlimit
gravitiesbeingclassifiedin Group I11 and others in model (see Commentary for 7.2.1 and 8.2.1) which also
Group IV (57,62). Beginningwiththe 1971 edition, has been used to establish the lateral design values for
specificgravity
was used as thesole criterion for bolts, lagscrews and woodscrews. The yieldmode
assignmentofspecies for nail lateral designvalue equations givenin 12.3.1 for nails and spikesinsingle
constants. The specificgravityclasslimitsshownin shear have beendeveloped and verified
in
recent
thelegend for Equation C12.3-1 were used to classify research (27,28). The equations provide for four modes
species from 1971 through the 1986 edition. of yielding: bearing in the side member being attached
(Mode I, ), development of a plastic hinge in the side
Provisions for establishing lateral design values for member (Mode 111, ), development of aplastichinge
threaded hardened nails were introduced in the 1962 in the main member (Mode 111, ), and development of
edition. Thesenailswereassignedthesame lateral plastichingesin both main and sidemembers(Mode
designvalues as those for common nails of the same IV). The lowest lateral designvalue, 2, obtained from
pennyweight class. The smaller diameter of the thread- the four equations is taken as thebasic lateral design
ed hardened nails compared to the common nails was value for the particular connectionbeingevaluated. It
considered to be offset by the higher bending strength is to be noted that the Mode 111, equation, unlike the
of the former. In the 1968 edition, assignments for other nailyield mode equations and those for other
30d and larger threaded hardened nails werereduced dowel type fasteners, includes a term to account for the
to account for the fact that thediameters of the 30d length or penetration of the nail in the mainmember.
to 60d pennyweightsizeswere the same as the diame- All equations, however, require a minimum penetration
ter for the 20d nail of this type, and the diameters of ofsix diameters in the main member.
the 80d and 90d sizeswere the same as the 70d size.
Under this change, the 20d to 60d threaded hardened The KO termin the denominator ofeachyield
nails were assigned the same lateral design value as that mode equation represent factors to reduce yieldmode
for the 20d common nail and the 70d to 90d threaded equation valuesbased on a 5 percentdiameteroffset
hardenednails wereassigned the same lateral design dowelbearing strength to thegeneral level
of
the
value as that for the 40d commonnail. The ratio of proportional limit based lateral design values tabulated
the diameter of the 70d threaded hardened nail to that inprevious editions of theSpecification.Values of
of the 40d common nail is the same as the ratio of the KO varydepending upon the shank diameter, D, of
20d threaded hardened nail to that of the 20d common thenail or spike, as shownbelow.
nail (see Commentary for 12.2.1 - Background).These D s 0.17 K’ = 2.2
procedures for establishing lateral designvalues for 0.17 < D < 0.25 KO = 1O(D ) + 0.5
threaded hardened nailswere continued through the D L 0.25 KO = 3.0
1986 edition.
The 2.2 factor for fasteners 0.17 inches or less in
Lateral design
values for boxnails
based on diameterisbased on a comparison of yield
mode
Equation C12.3-1 were first introduced in the 1977 lateral designvalueswithnail lateral designvalues
edition. publishedin the 1986 edition for joints made with 8d
It is to be noted that lateral design values tabulated and 16d nailsineachoftwospecies for arange of
inthe 1986 and earlier editions of theSpecification side member thicknesses (117). The 0.17 diameter limit
were not considered associated with a specific deforma- coversall standard boxnailsizes (up to 40d) and
tionlevel.However, it was reported that the propor- common and threaded hardened nails up to 16d. Most

N d s and Spikes 143

NDS Comentaty

spikesfallin the larger diameterclasses.Becauseside increase as diameterdecreases(106). The regressionof

memberthicknessisvariable
a inthe yield mode testvalues from whichnailbendingyieldstrength
equations but was not a factor indeveloping lateral valueswereestimatedisgivenbelow.
designvaluesgiveninpreviouseditions,the KD value
of 2.2 gives lower lateral design values for joints made Fyb = 130.4 - 2 1 4 0 (C12.3-2)
with the thinnestsidemembers(5/16inch) than those
previously tabulated for equivalent species and nail size, where:
but larger lateral designvalues for joints madewith Fyb = bendingyield strength ofsteelbasedon 5
thicker
side
members(1-1/2
inch). In addition to percentdiameteroffset, 1000 psi
havingsubstantiallyhigher lateral designvalues than D = naildiameter,in.
thosepreviouslygivenin the Specification,nailed and
spiked joints made with the thicker side members also The increaseinyieldstrengthassociatedwiththe
hadsignificantlyhigher lateral designvaluesthan lag decreaseindiameteris attributed to theworkharden-
screw and woodscrew joints made withthesame ingofthesteel as it is formed into progressively
diameter fastener and side member thickness when the smaller diameters (106).
KD valueof2.2wasusedin the nailyield equations
for thesecombinations. As the larger diameternails Bendingyield strength values for hardenedsteel
and spikes are used with the thicker side members, the nailsgiveninthe footnote ofTables12.3C are based
foregoinginconsistencieswereaddressed by increasing on bendingyield strength values for common nails of
the KO factor for nail and spikediameters of0.25 equivalent diameter increased approximately 30percent
inches or more from 2.2 to 3.0, limiting the 2.2 factor (see Appendix I).
to 0.17 diameters and less, and useofalinear transi- Tabulated
Wood-to-Wood Lateral Design
tion (KD = 10d + 0.5) for intermediatediameters. Values. Lateral designvalues for single shear connec-
These KD factor assignments are thesame as those tionsmadewith 112 to 1-1/2inchthicksidemembers
usedwiththeyield mode equations for woodscrews for eachofthe major individualspeciescombinations
(see 11.3.1). are giveninTables12.3A to 12.3D.TablesA, B, C

The nail and spike yield mode equations are applied.

However,
certain
in designs, use
of
the
enteredwith the fastenerdiameter,thesidemember tabulated lateral designvalues for thelowestspecific
thickness, the dowel bearing strengths of the main and gravitywood in the joint maybeconsideredoverly
sidemembers (Fern and Fcs ) , and thebendingyield conservative. In such cases, determining allowable joint
strength
of the fastener (Fyb). Dowel
bearing lateral design
values
directly from the yield mode
strengths for all species combinations are listed in Table equations may prove beneficial. The difference between
12A. These dowel bearing strength values are based on tabulated lateral designvalues and yield modelateral
thesamespecificgravity equation used to establish design values for mixed species joints are illustrated in
dowel bearing strengths for wood screws (see Commen- thenailexamplespresentedinExampleC12.3-1.
tary for 11.3.1 - 1991 Edition andEquation C11.3-2).
The equation isbased on researchwhich
involved The effect of side member thickness on nail lateral
bearingtestsofnails 12dto 40d insize and which designvalues
is not linear. Tabular lateral design
showed that diameter was not a significant independent valuesshould not be extrapolated to obtain lateral
variable with specific gravity (203). designvalues for sidememberthicknesseslargerthan
the maximum thickness listed in the tables (see Exam-
The bending yield strength of the nail or spike, pleC12.3-1). For joints made ofspecies other than
Fub , maybespecifiedbythedesigner or thevalues those tabulated, lateral design values for a listed species
given in the footnotes in Tables 12.3A, 12.3B, 12.3C or combinationswithalowerspecificgravitythan that for --
12.3Dmaybeused (see Appendix I). The footnote the species being used, as determined from Table 12A,
values are based on the results of tests of common wire maybeapplied.Withthehighestdensityhardwoods,
nails which showed that bending yield strength tends to
 NDS Commentary

this
will
result
in
significant
underestimation of joint
capacity.
Example C12.1-1
Yield mode lateral design values for wood-to-wood single Comparison of 1991andEarlierEditionLateral
shear nailed connections: DesignValues.Differencesinlateraldesignvaluesfor
singleshearnailedconnectionsinthe199 1 and
1986
Single andmixed speciesjoints of southernpineand
spruce-pine-fir made with 8d common nails in side member
editionsresultingfiomthechangetotheyieldlimitmodel
thicknesses of 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8 inchesandwith 60d com- andtheuse of individualspeciesratherthanfastenergroup
mon nails in side member thicknesses of 1/2, 1 - 1/2, and 2- valuesisillustratedinTable C 12.3-1.
112 inches
Table C12.3-1- Comparison of 1991 and 1986 NDS
Fen,F,, 5550 psisouthernpine(SP)
= Wood-to-Wood Single Shear Nail
= 3350 psispruce-pine-fir(SPF) Lateral Design Values
Fvb = 100,000 psi 8d
= 70,000 psi 60d
Side
D = 0.131 8d Member
= 0.263 60d Thick- Nail Nail Nail
Lateral
Design
Value,
lbs
KO = 2.2 8d ness,
Penny- Dim. Southern
Pine Spruce-Pine-Fir
= 3.0 60d Weight
in. in. 1991
1986 Ratio 19911986 Ratio
p = naillength - sidememberthickness
Box Nails:
1/2 8d 0.113 67 1.06
63 47 51 0.92
Side 20d 0.148 101 1.07
94 73 77 0.95
Yield Mode
Member
Nail 314 8d 0.113 79 1.25
63 57 51 1.12
DesignValues,lbs
Penny-
Thickness Species 20d 0.148 121 1.29
94 83 77 1.08
Main
Side
Weight
in. ZZ
I
ZIII,
V
I
,,
Common Nails:
SP SP 124 242 2 106
/2 1 8d 0.131 85 78 1.09 61 64 0.95
SPF SP 124 160 69 92
20d 0.192 137 139 0.99 103 114 0.90
SP SPF 75 219 a 92
1-1/2 20d 0.192 185 139 1.33 144 114 1.26
SPF SPF 75 149 2 82
60d 0.263 262 223 1.17 191 182 1.05
112 SP SP 165 229 85 106 ThreadedHardened Nails:
SPF SP
SPF
165
100
152
207
x 92
92 /2 1 8d 0.120 80 78 1.03 58 64 0.91
SP 68
SPF SPF 100 141 fl 82 20d 0.177 147 139 1.06 111 114 0.97
1-1/2 16d 0.148 145 108 1.34 113 88 1.28
518 SP SP 207 216 94 106
70d 0.207 227 176 1.30 171 144 1.19
SPF SP 207 144 84 92
SP SPF 125 195 2 92 Spikes:
SPF SPF 125 134 a 82
/2 1 20d 0.225 162 176 0.92 123 144 0.85
60d 112 SP SP 243 905 J.@ 262 60d 0.283 201 248 0.81 155 203 0.76
SPF SP 243 593 165 228 1-112 40d 0.263 262 223 1.17 191 182 1.05
SP SPF J4J 821 161 228 3/8 0.375 428 379 1.13 290 310 1.07
SPF SPF 147 551 144 204
1-1/2 SP SP 730 745 288 262 Theconsistentlyhigher1991/1986lateraldesignvalue
SPF SP 730 491 260 228 ratiosforthe3/4and 1 - 1/2inchsidememberthicknesses
SP SPF 441 676 207 228 relativetotheratiosforthe1/2inchsidememberthick-
SPF SPF 441 456 191 204
nessreflecttheuse of sidememberthickness as avariable
2- 112 SP SP 1216 588 433 262 intheyieldmodeequationswhereaspreviouslateraldesign
SPF SP 1216 391 392 228 values
were
independent of memberthickness.
The
SP SPF 734 533 294 228 generallylowerlateraldesignvalueratiosforthefasteners
SPF SPF 734 363 272 204 withdiametersover 0.25 inchesrelativetothosewith
diameterslessthan 0.17 inchesrepresentstheeffect of the
larger KO factor (3.0) usedintheyieldmodeequations
fortheformer as comparedtothefactor (2.2) usedwith
thelatter.

Nails and Spikes 145

A?VS Commentary

For the joint configurations compared, the averages Table C12.3-2 - Comparison of 1991 and 1986 NDS
of the 1991/1986 lateral designvalue ratios were 1.13 Wood-to-Metal SingleShear Nail
for southern pine and 1.02 for spruce-pine-fir. This Lateral Design Values
difference reflects the fact that southern pine was at the
upper limit of its 1986 fastener group (specific gravity) Stee1
class whereas spruce-pine-fir was near the lower limit of Plate
Thick- Nail Nail Nail Lateral Design Value,
lbs
its class. By basing the dowel bearing strength used in
the yield mode equations on the specific gravity of each ness,
Penny- Diam. Southern
Pine
Spruce-Pine-Fir
species combination ratherthan basing lateral design in. Weight in. 1991
1986 Ratio 1991
1986 Ratio
values on specific gravity groups, the 1991 provisions &x N&:
tie
nail lateral designvalues more closely to the
0.075 8d 0.1 13 78 79 0.99 63 64 0.98
performance capabilities of each species combination 20d 0.148 124 118 1.05 99 96 1.03
than waspreviously the case. 0.134 8d 0.113 90 79 1.14 74 64 1.16
12.3.2-Wood-to-Metal Connections 20d 0.148 137 118 1.16 111 96 1.16
n N&:
12.3.2.1 From the 1944 through the 1986 edition,
0.075 8d 0.131 103 98 1.05 83 80 1.04
lateral design values for nails and spikes were increased 20d 0.192142
141
1.01
174
176 0.99
25 percentwhen metal rather than woodsideplates 60d 0.263 279
248 0.89 228
198 0.87
wereused (57). This is the samemetalsideplate 0.134 8d 0.131 115 1.1798 94 80 1.18
adjustment previouslyusedwithwoodscrewsover the 20d 0.192 174
188 1.08 1.07
142
152
sameperiod and with bolts prior to the 1982 edition. 60d 0.263 279
256 0.92 228
206 0.90
Recent test results indicated the 25 percent increase for w:
nailed wood-to-metal joints wasconservative (165). In
the 1991 edition, the effectof the metal sideplatesis 0.075 16d 0.207 194
192 0.99 159 154 0.97
60d 0.283 310
266 0.86 212
254 0.83
accounted for directly by entering the dowelbearing 3/8 0.375 404 474 0.85 388
321 0.83
strength, Fcs , and the thickness of the metal side plate 0.134 16d 0.207 194
203 1.05 1.03
159
163
in the yield mode equations of 12.3.1. Only yield 60d 0.283 310
274 0.88 254
221 0.87
Modes 111, , 111, and IV are considered. The Mode 3/8 0.375 411 474 0.87 388
330 0.85
I, equation for bearing in the side member is not used
as this property isconsideredseparatelyin the design
of metal parts (see 12.3.2.2 and Commentary for 7.2.3). southern pine and spruce-pine-fir joints, respectively.
Becausethe variation inthickness oftypicalsteelside
Tables 12.3E,12.3F, 12.3G and 12.3H give lateral plates is small (0.036 to 0.239) relative to the variation
designvalues forjoints made withsteelboxnails, in thickness of wood side members (1/2 to 1-1/2), plate
commonnails, threaded hardened nails and spikes, thickness has asmallereffect on 1991 joint lateral
respectively, and steel side members ranging from 0.036 designvalues than does woodsidememberthickness
inches (20 gage) to 0.239 inches (3 gage)inthickness. when both are compared to 1986 lateral design values.
Tabulated lateral design values for all
side
plate As with the wood-to-wood joints, thelower 1991/1986
thicknesses are based on adowelbearing strength of lateral design value ratios for the larger diameter nails
45,000 psi applicable to ASTMA446 Grade A galva- reflect the larger adjustment factor, KO, usedwith
nizedsteel. The samenail and spikebending yield thesefastenerscompared to that used for thesmaller
strengths, Fub , used to develop the wood-to-wood joint diameter fasteners.
lateral design values in Tables 12.3A - 12.3D were used
to develop the tabulated lateral design values for joints 12.3.2.2 (See Commentary for 7.2.3)
made withsteelsideplates. 12.3.2.3 Design values for joist hangers, tie downs
Comparison of 1991 and Earlier Edition and other similar products that involvewood-to-metal
Lateral Design Values. Differencesbetween 1991 and nailed joints often are established by testing connections
1986 lateral designvalues for joints made withsteel made with the installed product rather than by use of
sideplates and common nails are illustratedin Table the provisions of the Specification. As noted inthe
C12.3-2. Commentary for 12.3.1, lateral designvaluestabulated
in
the 1991 and earlier editions are derived from
The average of the 1991/1986 lateral designvalue nominal proportional limitlevelvalues and are about
ratios for the two plate thicknesses and three nail sizes one-fifth short term ultimate testvalues.Designvalues
compared in the table are 1.00 and 0.98 for the for proprietary products such as hangers and other

146 Nails and SNes

 NVS Commentary

-
connecting devices may be based on proportional limit based on recentresearchwhichshows that the total
test
values or on maximum test
values. It is
the yield mode load capacity of a threemember joint is
responsibility of the designer to determine the appropri- equivalent to twice that of a comparable twomember
ateness of the procedures used to establish such design or single shear joint (28). The six times
fastener
values,including the adequacy ofreductions for load diameter requirement on the thickness of the center
duration and variability, and the appropriateness of memberin a threemember joint isrelatedtothe
applying other adjustments given in the Specification to requirement of 12.3.4 that the minimumnail or spike
thosedesignvalues(see Commentary for 1.1.1.4 and penetration into the main member be at leastsixtimes
7.1.1.4). the fastener diameter.
12.3.3-Double Shear Wood-to-Wood Connections Unlike previous editions, the 1991 provisions for
threememberwood-to-wood joints have no require-
An increase in lateral design values for connections ments on sidememberthickness to qualify for an
in double shear where the nailfully penetrated all increasein the single shear lateral designvalue if the
members of a three-member joint was introduced in the third membermeets the penetration requirements of
1960 edition of the Specification. An increase of one- 12.3.4. This reflects the fact that sidememberthick-
third was allowed when each side member was not less ness is a variable in the yield mode equations that are
than one-third the thickness of the main or center usedtoestablish lateral designvalues
in
the 1991
member and two-thirds when the thicknesses of the side edition. Application of the 1 2 0 penetration require-
members was equal to the thickness of the main ment of 12.3.4 to the third member of a three member
member. Interpolation for intermediate sidemember joint wouldexclude use of certain panelsidemember
thicknessessubsequentlywasprovided for inthe1962 materials whichqualified for the threemember joint
edition. In the 1982 edition, a clarifyingprovisionwas increasein
previous
editions. To provide for such
added to the Specificationwhichappliedthe penetra- applications, the clinched nail
provisions of earlier
tion requirements for single shear joints to the center editions are used as an exception to the 12.3.4 penetra-
member of three member joints. These provisions tion requirements. Under this exception, three member
covering the design ofnailed joints in double shear joints made with 12d or smaller size nails and 3/8 inch
were carried forward unchanged to the 1986 edition. or thicker side members qualify for a doubling of the
In the 1968 edition, a separate adjustment for three applicablesingle shear lateral designvaluewhenthe
member joints made with clinched nails was introduced. nailextends at least three diameters beyondtheside
This new provisionallowed a doubling of thesingle member and are clinched. The waiveroftheclinching
shear lateral design value for joints made with 12d or requirement for threaded hardened nails that wasin
smaller nails if the thickness of thesidememberswas previous editions has been dropped as theincreased
3/8 inch or larger and the nailsextendedbeyondthe strength of these fasteners relative to common steel wire
sidemember by at least three diameters and were nails has been accounted for directly in the yield mode
clinched. This addition wasbased on testsofsingle equations. Clinching of both common and hardened
shear and clinched and unclinched double shear joints nailsisconsiderednecessary for both to qualify for
made withplywoodsidemembers(108). In the 1971 twice theirrespectivesingle shear lateral designvalues.
edition, the clinchingrequirement for threemember 12.3.4-Penetration Depth Factor, Cd
joints made with threaded hardened nailswaswaived
if the sidemember,nailsize and naillengthrequire- In the 1960 and earlier editions of the Specification,
ments for doubling of single shear lateral design values nails and spikes were required to penetrate themain
were met. This change, which reflected the difficulty of member a minimum of two-thirds thefastenerlength
clinchingthistypeof fastener, wasbasedontestsof for softwoods and one-half the fastener length for
single and double shear joints made withunclinched hardwoods to qualify for specified lateral design values
threaded hardened nails(171). The provisions allowing (5739). In the 1951 edition, provisionwasmade for
the doubling ofsingle shear lateral designvalues for use of lesser penetrations if the lateral design value was
certainnailed joints in double shear were alsocarried reduced proportionately; but the minimumpenetration
forward through the 1986 edition. was required to be at least one-half the nail length for
softwoods and two-fifths the nail length for hardwoods.
In the 1991 edition, a doubling of the lateral design In the 1960 edition, theminimum penetration allowed
- value for single shear joints isrecognized for anythree for reduced lateral designvalueswaschangedtotwo-
member wood-to-wood connectionin which thethick- fifths thenail length for softwoods and one-third the
ness of the center or main member is greater than six nail length for hardwoods.
times the nail or spike diameter. The provisionis

Nails and Spikes 147

NDS Commentary

Beginningin the 1962 edition, penetration require- and vertical framing members also are diaphragms.
ments were changed from a fastener length to a Such shear walls or vertical diaphragms act to transfer
fastener diameter basis and the softwood-hardwood loads from horizontal diaphragms down to the support-
classes were dropped in favor of fastener groups based ing foundation (182). The diaphragm factor, Cdj,
on specificgravity (see Commentary for 12.3.1 - applies to both horizontal and verticaldiaphragms.
Background). For full lateral designvalue, penetration
Beginning with the 1960 edition of the Specification,
of the fastener in the main member of 10 diameters for
Group I species, 11 diameters for Group I1 species, 13 an increasein normal load lateral designvalues for
diameters forGroup I11 species and 14 diameters for nails and spikes of 30 percentwasrecognizedwhen
Group IV species was required. The minimum penetra- these fasteners were used in diaphragm construction.
tionallowed for reduced lateral designvalueswasset The increase,whichapplied in addition to wind and
at one-third the penetrations required for full lateral earthquake load duration increases, was
based on
designvalues.Based on new recommendations (62), experiencewithwood diaphragms on the west coast
the 1962 penetration provisions represented a relaxation designed using code approved nail shear values approxi-
of previous requirements. Expressing penetration mately 30 percent larger than those given
in
the
requirements in terms of nail diameter rather than nail Specification (180,181). The increase also wasconsid-
length made it possible to take into account the ered appropriate in view of the fact that the lateral
different diameters of fasteners that are available for designvaluesprovidedin the Specification represented
thesamepennyweight and length. The 1962 penetra- approximately 75 percent of joint proportional limit test
tion provisions were carried forward unchanged to the values (one-fifth of maximum test values) (see Commen-
1986 edition. tary for 12.3.1 - Background) and that structural
diaphragms involve use of many nails acting together
In the 1991 edition, lateral designvalues are given whichwasviewed as reducing variability effects.
by individual species combinations rather than by
fastener groups. With this change, the penetration In the 1977 edition, theprovision for increasing
requirement for full lateral design value has been lateral design
values for nails and spikes used
in
simplified to twelve fastener diameters for allspecies. diaphragm construction by 30 percentwasrevised to
The minimumallowed penetration for reduced lateral clarify that the adjustment applied only to lateral
design value has been changed from 3.3 to 4.7 fastener designvalues and not to withdrawaldesignvalues.
diameters to 6 diameters for allspecies. This increase The diaphragm adjustment provision was
carried
in the minimum penetration requirement, based on forward tothe 1986 edition without change.
consideration ofnew information available on how In the 1991 edition the adjustment for diaphragm
nails perform in joints (27), serves to account for the use has beenreduced to 10 percentinrecognition of
consolidation of the previous four separate group the changeinthe load duration adjustments for wind
requirements into one and for the higher lateral design and earthquake loads from 1.33 to 1.6. The 10 percent
values obtained for some configurations from the new factor provides for approximately thesameeffective
yield mode models. wind and earthquake design load for diaphragms when
12.3.5-EndGrainFactor, Ccg used with the new load duration factor (1.6 x 1.1) as
did the previous 30 percent factor when used withthe
The use of a 0.67 adjustment factor on lateral previous load duration factor (1.33 x 1.3). If a 1.33
design values for nails or spikes driven in the end grain adjustment for wind or earthquake load continues to be
has been a provision of the Specification since the 1944 used in diaphragm design, the 1.30 Cdifactor should
edition. The adjustment isbased on earlyresearch on beapplied to nail lateral designvalues.
joints made with softwood species (57).
12.3.7-Toe-NailFactor, Ctn
12.3.6-DiaphragmFactor, C’,.
The toe nail factor of 0.83 has been an adjustment
Diaphragms are large, flat structural units acting to nail lateral designvaluessince the 1951 edition.
like a deep relatively thin beam or girder. Horizontal This factor isbetween the full lateral designvalue
wood diaphragms consist of floor or roof decks acting applicable to nailsdrivenperpendicular to grain (side
as webs and lumber or glued laminated timbermem- grain) surfaces and the two-thirds of full lateral design
bers acting as the flanges.Suchassemblies distribute value applicable to nails driven in parallel to grain (end
horizontal forces acting on the flanges to
vertical grain) surfaces.
resistingelements (145). Shear walls consisting ofwall
sheathing materials attached to top and bottom plates

148 AJds and SpiGes

 NDS Commentary

For toe nails subject to lateral loads, the depth of member ends and edges than larger nails as they are
penetration of the nail in the member holding the point lesslikely to cause splitting. Wheresplittingcannot
maybe taken as the vertically projected length ofnail be avoided, preboring of nail holes should be used (see
inthemember as shownin Figure C12.3- 1, or (see 12.1.3.1).
12.1.3.2)
In lieuofspecificcoderequirements for end and
pL = LnCOS3O0 - Ln/3 (C12.3-3) edge distance for nails, Table C12.4-1 may be used to
establishnailing patterns. Designersshould note that
where: specie type, moisture content and grain orientation will
pL = verticalprojectionof penetration ofnailin affectspacing(pitch)between fasteners in a row.
main member, in. Table C12.4-1 Nail Minimum Spacing Tables
Ln = length of nail, in.
Wood Side Members
For purposes of establishing the single shear lateral Not
designvalue applicable to a toe nailed joint, the side Prebored Prebored
memberthicknessshallbe distance
taken as thelength of the Edge 2.5d 2.5d
nailin the side member (see Figure C12.3-1) or End distance
- tension load parallel to grain . 15d 1Od
ts = Ln/3 (C12.3-4) - compression
load
parallel to grain 1Od 5d
Spacing (pitch) between fasteners in a row
where: - parallel to grain 15d 1Od
- perpendicular to grain 1Od 5d
ts = effective
sidememberthicknesswhentoe- Spacing (gage) between rows of fasteners
nailing is used, in. - in-line 3d 5d
- staggered 2.5d 2.5d
Equation C12.3-4 only applies to nails driven at an Steel Side Members
- angleof approximately 30" to the face of themember Not
being attached and one-third the naillength from the Prebored
Prebored
end of that member. The effective side
member
distance Edge 2.5d 2.5d
thickness for nailsdriven at anyangle to thefaceof End distance
the member being attached should not exceed the - tension load parallel to grain Sd 1 Od
actual thickness of that member. - compression load parallel to grain 5d 3d
Spacing (pitch) between fasteners in a row
- parallel to grain 1 Od 5d
- perpendicular to grain 2.5d 5d
Spacing (gage) between rows of fasteners
line - in 2.5d 3d
- staggered 2.5d 2.5d

h
t,=L,/3 12.4.2-Multiple Nails or Spikes
\I
I\ Since
the 1944 edition, the total design
value for a
connection made with more than one nail or spike has
pL determined
been assum
the ofallowable
thedesign
V values forindividual
the fasteners. In the 1992 edition,
this summation provision is limited to only those nails
Flgure C22.3-1Etrectivepnetration andsidemember thichess or spikes in the joint which are of the Same size and
for toe nails subjkct latera//oads.
to type
(see Commentary for 7.2.2 and 7.1.1.1).

12.4-PLACEMENT OF NAILS AND SPIKES

- 12.4.1-Edge
Distance, End Distance, Spacing
Absenceof splitting has been the performance
criterion for placement of nails and spikessincethe
1944 edition. Smallernails can beplacedcloserto

Nails and Spikes 149

.
~~~