Perpendicular-to-Grain Strength of Douglas-Fir

Abstract

Weibull's theory of brittle fracture is applied to the determination of strength of Douglas-fir wood in tension perpendicular to the grain. Results from tests on blocks of glued-laminated material uniformly stressed in tension are used to derive ultimate stresses, at a given survival probability, for pitched-tapered beams, curved beams, and griplam nail connections. The results of the theory are shown to be in agreement with experimental data. Allowable stresses are derived for blocks, pitched-tapered beams, curved beams, and the particular nailed connection studied.