The Effects of Varying Nailing Density upon the Flexural Properties of Flitch Beams

This paper addresses the function of nailing density on the flexural properties of vertically laminated steel-timber flitch beams. Increasing the nailing density slightly improves the flexural stiffness but concurrently causes a clear reduction in flexural strength. Stresses in the mechanical fasteners are primarily localised to the area in contact with the steel plate. Nails placed centrally play no role in resisting normal tensile-compressive stresses during flexion however; they reduce the onset of buckling and provide extra resistance in vertical shear. All composites buckle on the compressive face however higher density nailing series buckle less prominently. Shot fired nailing is a fast and effective method for joining components of structural composites.