Connections—Nails, Screws, and Bolts

Abstract

It is important that structural members—beams, columns, and tension members—be designed with due regard to safety and economy. But, no chain being stronger than its weakest link, it is equally important that the connections joining these members to each other be carefully designed. A connection must be able to transfer load from member to member without the connection material itself failing and also without damaging the wood of the members it joins. Design of structural members, addressed in later chapters, may be easier if the designer knows how the member will be connected and knows how the member in question may be weakened by the connection.