Technical Recommendations
Timberlinx recommends use of the following reference design values when designing connections that include one two-pin pipe connector (A095, B095, A135, A155, B155, A175, B175) or a pair of one-pin half connectors (two A475).
Reference Design Values for Timberlinx Connectors
| Load Direction | Timber Species | Limit States Design Capacity (Pounds) | Allowable/Working Stress Design Capacity (Pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tension Parallel to Grain |
Eastern White Pine |
4,700 | 3,270 |
| Douglas Fir | 4,790 | 3,330 | |
| Port Orford Cedar | 5,080 | 3,530 | |
| White Oak | 7,640 | 5,320 | |
| Tension Perpendicular to Grain | Eastern White Pine | 2,780 | 1,930 |
| Douglas Fir | 3,170 | 2,210 | |
| Port Orford Cedar | 3,500 | 2,440 | |
| White Oak | 7,640 | 5,320 |
Connector Types
Connector types AA675 and AB675 have increased capacity, as much as twice that of those with one pin. However, in no case can the connector capacity exceed the value associated with white oak in the above table, for which yielding of the connector tube is the limiting factor.
When the Timberlinx connector is installed at an angle to the grain (such as in a timber-frame knee brace) and subjected to direct tension loading, use of the Hankinson formula is recommended. For this case, the design value Zθ of the inclined connector can be determined as
where:
Zθ = The tension capacity of the connector when loaded at an angle to grain
Z∥ = The tension capacity of the connector when loaded parallel to grain
Z⊥= The tension capacity of the connector when loaded perpendicular to grain
θ = The angle between the tube connector and the longitudinal direction of the timber
These recommend reference design values were determined from physical tests of connections using the A475 connector and followed the procedures of ASTM D 1761. Detailing dimensions corresponded to CSA 086-01.