Lateral resistance of joints made with various screws in commercial wood plastic composites

In this study, the effects of screw diameter, pilot hole diameter, end distance, thickness of side and main members, loading speed and screw type on the lateral resistance of screw joints in commercial wood plastic composites were investigated and also compared with those calculated using the European Yield Model (EYM). The results have shown that for a given diameter of screw, increase in end distance, thickness of joint members, pilot hole diameter and loading speed, increases lateral resistance of the joint. Comparing screw effect it was found that lateral resistances of joints made with various screws did not have significant differences. The results have also shown that the accuracy of EYM prediction of lateral resistance for the joints fractured in mode Is is better than those fractured in modes IIIs or V.

► Lateral resistance (LR) of screws in the commercial WPC panels was investigated.
► Screws were sheet metal, drywall and wood screw.
► The variables were screw and pilot hole diameter, loading rate, member thicknesses.
► Predicted LR by the EYM equations were compared with corresponding measured values.