Long-Term Tests of 4 x 2 Parallel-Chord Metal-Plate-Connected Wood Trusses: Addendum to Research Report 81-1

Abstract

Parallel-chord metal-plate-connected wood trusses of four different designs were load-tested to destruction in 1977. Trusses from the same manufacturing lots were then tested under design dead load plus one-half live load for ten years. Creep deflection perfonnance records were kept over the ten-year period and are reported in this document. Strength tests of the trusses that had carried the ten-year load were conducted and are reported and compared with the original test results. Creep performance generally was as expected for wood with superimposed annual cyclic effects. With the exception of one set of trusses, no significant strength or stiffness losses were observed between the 1977 and 1987 tests.