Computer Design Program for Multiple Fastener Wood Dowel Connections

[MJC6125]

I'm wondering if anyone is aware of a computer program where you can design a wood dowel connection similar to how you design an anchor connection in concrete using the Hilti, Simpson, or Powers programs? I think this could be pretty useful. You could input the load direction/magnitude and the connection geometry (member sizes, bolt size, bolt spacing, etc.), and the program would tell you the adjusted connection capacity taking into account the group action factor (Cg) and the geometry factor (Cdelta). The program could also warn you when spacing requirements are not met. Lastly, the program could check net section tension, row tear-out, group tear-out, and shear stresses in a beam connection where applicable.

I started making an excel spreadsheet to do this, but it seems to me like something that would be best performed with a program similar to Hilti, Simpson, or Powers.

 

[rb1957]

sounds like a "bolt group" analysis ... s/sheet should be fine ...

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[MJC6125]

I agree that a spreadsheet can perform any and all calculations like this, and this is the route that I was going down with creating one. But I think a better way to do it would be with a program like the anchor designers where you choose your connected materials, bolts, and loads with the click of a button, and then have a sketch of the connection that updates automatically based on your inputs.

I figured if they could do it with concrete, they should be able to do it with wood. But, since the bolts used in wood construction aren't specialty anchors, there's no manufacturer incentive to make the program. And maybe it really doesn't provide that much more convenience to have a full blown program vs. a spreadsheet for wood connections.

 

[jayrod12]

Woodworks has a connection program. I haven't used it yet so I don't know how applicable it may be to your situation, but it's the only one I know of that deals strictly with wood connections.

 

[Shotzie]

@jayrod12 These are the connections you can do with Woodworks Connection. I haven't really used it either. I don't see wood dowels on the list anywhere.

 

[MJC6125]

When I said wood dowel, I just meant that it is a dowel type connection where a wood member is one of the connecting elements. The actual dowels would be the various fasteners used in wood construction.

I just downloaded the demo version of the woodworks software, and it seems to be what I was looking for. Thanks for that recommendation.

 

[jayrod12]

Thanks Shotzie,

What version of connection is that screenshot from?

I had made the blind assumption he meant bolts, screws and nails when he indicated dowel connections. Not true wood dowels. It appears the blind squirrel found a nut this time.

 

[KootK]

Member dik has a great little app for this. I'd post it but it's not mine to share. It doesn't quite go into the level of detail that you're looking for but is a great start in that direction. Since folks will ask: it does indeed work on Windows 10 despite, apparently, being compiled on an Atari.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Shotzie]

@jayrod12 That screenshot was taken from the Canadian Version 9.3. It seems to have CSA O86-09 and CSA O86-14 support as well.

Good guess on meaning general connections. I find wood dowel (more specifically, mortise and tenon connections) are difficult to find resources for.