Coupled and uncoupled nonlinear elastic finite element models for monotonically loaded sheathing-to-framing joints in timber based shear walls

Four different elastic models for sheathing-to-framing connections are presented and evaluated on a single connection level and on a shear wall level. Since the models are elastic in their nature they are suitable mainly for cases where the sheathing-to-framing connections are subjected to monotonically increasing displacements. Of the four models one is uncoupled and the others are coupled with respect to the two perpendicular displacement directions in a two-dimensional model. Two of the coupled models are non-conservative, while the third is conservative, indicating a path independency with respect to the work done to reach a defined state of deformation. When the different models are compared it is obvious that the uncoupled model gives strength and stiffness values higher than the others; however it is not obvious which of the models to use in a shear wall analysis, each of the models having its advantages and disadvantages. For the experimental data used as input in the analyses of this study however, a coupled non-conservative model seems the most appropriate.