Remarks on the slip modulus of nailed connections for linear analysis of plywood timber beams

In mechanically jointed plywood timber beams, the deformation of the connection has an important influence on the stiffness of the beam and the distribution of internal forces. To quantify this influence, the mechanical behavior of the connection, expressed by its non-linear load–slip relationship, is required. In the linear elastic range, load and slip are related by the slip modulus. This study deals with the analytical determination of the slip modulus of nailed connections based on the theory of beam on elastic foundation, in which the wood foundation modulus was estimated through the embedment test. In general, the conclusion is that this model is adequate for the description of the behavior of the connection in the linear limit range and its main parameter is the wood foundation modulus, which needs further investigation regarding data for tropical species of wood and plywood.