Nails

Nails are available only for the lapped shear connections. They are not available to the post-and-beam connections.

Nail spacings, end and edge distances are considered minimum requirements, rather than the actual distances as for other connection types.

These default distances can be changed in the Initialization File.

The connection will be designed with the nail spacing entered by the user. You can enter a spacing in the details window that is less than the default minimum spacing.

End and edge distances inserted manually in the details window will override the default minima. They will be used as constraints by the program. Distances will not be less than these values specified but may exceed them, as the program attempts to center the connection in the available space.

The maximum nail length allowed in a connection is determined by the maximum protrusion through the far side of the main member. This value is set in the initialization file as a proportion of the connection thickness. The factory defaults are .40 for steel-to-wood connections and .25 for wood-to-wood connections respectively.

The default nail type preferred by the user is also set in the initialization file. The factory default is common nails.

Nails are now treated as dowel type fasteners, and as such, nails greater than 1/4" diameter are now also factored by Cg and Cdelta.

Nails smaller than 1/4" may now be staggered.