Bolted

connections

Table of contents

1 General....................................................................................................................... 2
2 Material properties.................................................................................................. 2
3 Loading...................................................................................................................... 3
4 Laterally loaded bolts.............................................................................................. 3
4.1 Timber-to-timber connections...................................................................... 4
4.2 Panel-to-timber connections........................................................................ 4
4.3 Steel-to-timber connections......................................................................... 4
4.4 Effective number of fasteners....................................................................... 4
5 Multiple shear plane connections........................................................................ 5
6 Block shear failure................................................................................................... 6
6.1 Timber failure capacity of joint area............................................................ 6
6.1.1 Capacity of inner part lamellas.......................................................... 6
6.1.2 Capacity of the edge part of lamellas.................................................7
6.2 Connection forces at an angle to the grain................................................. 8
6.3 Alternative dimensioning method................................................................ 9
7 Steel plates.............................................................................................................. 10
7.1 Tension strength............................................................................................ 10
7.2 Embedment strength................................................................................... 10
7.3 Block tearing................................................................................................... 10
8 Axially loaded bolts................................................................................................ 10
9 Fastener spacings and edge and end distances............................................... 11
10 Allowed tolerances of bolted connections.........................................................14
11 Bibliography.............................................................................................................14

Calculation example: Laterally loaded timber-to-timber bolt connection................15

Endnotes ............................................................................................................................17
Bolted connections Parts that are according to the Finnish national annex are marked with
green text or they are given in the endnote. These rules may not apply
outside Finland. The equations by RIL 205-1-2009 are generalized from
the Eurocode and are on the safe side. Additional general information
about connections is also collected from several sources.

1. General 2. Material properties

Washers with a side length or an external diameter of at least 3d
(where d is the diameter of the bolt) and a thickness of at least 0.3d
should be used under the head of bolts and nuts. Washers should have
a full bearing area.
Bolts should be tightened so that the members fit closely, and they
should be re-tightened if necessary when the timber has reached
equilibrium moisture content. If re-tightening cannot be done, and
there is a possibility that the timber can dry by over 5 % of its weight
after installation of the bolts, only 80 % of the calculated capacity of
the bolt connection can be utilised.
Bolt holes in timber should have a diameter no more than 1 mm
larger than the bolt. Bolt holes in steel plates should have a diameter
no more than 2 mm or 1.1d (whichever is greater). If the connection
is designed using thick steel plate (tt ≥ d) equations and bolt diameter
d < 20 mm, the maximum allowed hole in the steel plate should not
be more than 1.1d.
The calculation method for steel bolts presented in this guide is
valid only for bolts with a diameter d ≤ 24 mm and ultimate tensile
strength fu,k ≤ 800 N/mm2 (class 8.8)1. In addition, the timber thick-
ness of side members t1 and t2 should be at least 4d and in dual or
multi shear plane connections the timber thickness of inner members
ts should be at least 5d.
In this guide timber means solid timber, glued laminated timber,
Kerto-S and Kerto-T. Due to its cross-veneers, Kerto-Q has better
splitting resistance when compared to other timber when used in
flatwise connections.
Wood-based panels should be CE-marked in accordance with EN
13986 (plywood, particleboard, OSB-board, medium fibreboard
and hard fibreboard) or they should have a local type approval or
statement/certificate from an institution approved by local building
authorities that covers their use as load-bearing structures.

Table 1: Strength modification factors for service classes and load-duration classes kmod . and partial factors γM for material
properties and resistances. 2

Strength modification factors for service classes and load-duration classes kmod
Load-duration class

MateriaL Service class Permanent action Long term action Medium term Short term action Instantaneous
action action

Solid timber, round timber, 1 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10

glued laminated timber, 2 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
Kerto LVL, plywood 3 0.50 0.55 0.65 0.70 0.90

Particleboard EN 312-4* 1 0.30 0.45 0.65 0,85 1.10

and -5, OSB/2*, Hard 2 0.20 0.30 0.45 0.60 0.80
fibreboard
Particleboard EN 312-6* 1 0.40 0.50 0.70 0.90 1.10
and -7, OSB/3, OSB/4 2 0.30 0.40 0.22 0.70 0.90

Medium fibreboard: MBH. 1 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.10

LA*, MBH.HLS, MDF.LA* 2 - - - 0.45 0.80
and MDF.HLS

Partial factors γM (EN 1995 recommended values and the Finnish NA values)

Fundamental combinations:
Solid and Round timber in general 1.30 1.40
Softwood structural timber, strength class ≥ C35 1.30 1.25
Kerto LVL 1.20 1.20
Glued laminated timber 1.25 1.20
Plywood, OSB 1.20 1.25
Particle- and fibreboards 1.30 1.25
Connections 1.30 according to timber material
Accidental combination 1.00 1.00

* Can only be used in service class 1

Bolts and steel plates should, where necessary, either be inherently corrosion-resistant or be protected against corrosion.

Table 2: The minimum specification for material protection against corrosion for fasteners. Electroplated zinc coating Fe/Zn classes are according
to ISO 2081 and hot-dip coating Z classes according to EN 10346. 3 Stainless steel according to EN 10088-1 (grades 1.4401, 1.4301 and 1.4310).4

Service class

Fastener 1 2 3

Bolts None None Fe/Zn 25c, Z350

Steel plates up to 3 mm thickness Fe/Zn 12c, Z275 Fe/Zn 12c, Z275 Stainless steel

Steel plates from 3 mm up to 5 mm in thickness None Fe/Zn 12c, Z275 Fe/Zn 25c, Z350

Steel plates over 5 mm thickness None None Fe/Zn 25c, Z350

2 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
Table 3: In EN 1993-1-1, EN 1993-1-2 and EN 1993-1-8 the following par- 4. Laterally loaded bolts
tial factors are used according to EN 1993 recommended values and FI
NA for structural members, cross sections and connections.
When calculating the lateral load-capacity of the connection, the
Marking Value (EN 1993) Value FI: NA capacity of the fastener and block shear in the timber member should
γM0 1.00 1.00 be checked. See Figure 1.
γM1 1.00 1.00
Design capacity of the connection:
γM2 1.25 1.25
γM3 1.25 1.25
k mod ⋅ Rk
γM3,ser 1.10 1.10
Rd =   (1)5
γM
γM4 1.00 1.00
γM5 1.00 1.00 where kmod is the modification factor for duration of load and
γM6,ser 1.00 1.00 moisture content
γM7
γM is the partial factor for connection resistance
1.10 1.10
γM,fi

1.00 1.00

When connecting two different materials the smallest value

of kmod / γM should be used.

3. Loading

Bolts can be loaded laterally or axially. The loading can also be 4.1 Timber-to-timber connections

combined lateral and axial load. The characteristic load-carrying capacity for a fastener per shear plane:

Reductions in cross section should be taken into account when

analysing the capacity of timber members. ⎧ 3⋅ M y
⎪⎪0.4 ⋅ f h,k ⋅ t u ⋅ d ⋅ 1 +
In compressed Kerto-to-Kerto joints, 2/3 of the perpendicular Rk = min ⎨ f h,k ⋅ d ⋅ t u2   (2)6
compression force can be transferred directly through contact ⎪
from member to member. If the contact surfaces have been CNC- ⎪⎩2 ⋅ M y ⋅ f h,k ⋅ d
machined, 3/4 of the perpendicular compression force can be trans-
ferred directly through contact from member to member. Splitting of ⎧ t1 ⋅ f h,1,k
the compressed side in sloped connections, such as ridge connections, ⎪ f
should be prevented by shaping the end of the member or installing ⎪ h,k
a hard fibreboard or steel plate with a height of about 3/4 of the total where tu = min ⎨   (3)7
t ⋅ f
⎪ 2 h, 2,k
height of the connection.
⎪ f h,k
⎩
When a force in a connection acts at an angle to the grain, the bolts of
laterally loaded joints should ideally be positioned at the compressed
side of the member. In these cases there is generally no need to check
the tension capacity perpendicular to the grain. See Figure 5.
f h,k = min( f h,1,k ; f h, 2,k ; f h,s ,k )   (4)8

t1 and t2 are the thicknesses of the outer timber members

fh,1,k and fh,2,k are the characteristic embedment strengths

of outer timber members

fh,s,k is the characteristic embedment strength of inner

timber member in two shear plane connection

d is the fastener diameter

The characteristic value for the yield moment:

My = 0.3 · fu,k · d 2.6 [Nmm] (5)9

where fu,k is the characteristic tensile strength of the bolt,

in N/mm2

d is the fastener diameter, in mm

Figure 1: Laterally loaded connection

3 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
The characteristic embedment strength, at an angle α to the grain: For particleboard and OSB the following embedment strength should
be used for all loading directions:

f h , 0 ,k fh,k = 50 · d –0,6 · t 0,2 [N/mm2] (12)17

f h,α ,k =   [N/mm2] (6) 10

k90 ⋅ sin 2 α + cos 2 α where: d is the fastener diameter, in mm

t is the panel thickness, in mm
⎧0.082 ⋅ (1 − 0,01d ) ⋅ ρ k InIngeneral
general
where f h,0,k = ⎨ (7)11
⎩37 ⋅ k Q ⋅ (1 − 0,01d ) for
forKerto
Kerto-Q -Q
4.3 Steel-to-timber connections
[N/mm2]
The capacity of a steel plate should be checked according EN 1993.
⎧⎪1 forflatwise
for flatwise connections
connections In compressed steel plate connections the buckling length of 0,8La
k Q = ⎨ 2 [–] (8)12  
1 − ≤ 0.87 for
foredgewise
edgewise connections
connections can generally be used for outside plates, where La is the distance
⎪⎩ d between the first fasteners at opposite sides of the connection. The
buckling does not need to be taken into account for steel plates
⎧1.30 + 0.015d for
for Kerto
Kerto-S-and
S and Kerto - T
Kerto-T installed inside a timber member if the expansion of timber members
⎪1.15 + 0.015d is prevented, for example, by using tie bolts and limiting the size of
⎪ for
for Kerto
Kerto-Q- Q the slot for the steel plate to maximum of 1.25tt.
k 90 = ⎨ [–] (9)   13
⎪1.35 + 0.015d for
forsoftwood
softwood
The drying shrinkage perpendicular to the grain direction should be
⎪⎩0.90 + 0.015d for
for hardwoods
hardwoods taken into account with steel-to-timber connections.

for Kerto-Q fh,α,k = fh,45,k when 45° ≤ α ≤ 90° 14 It should also be taken into account that the load-carrying capacity
of steel-to-timber connections with a loaded end may be reduced by
ρk is the characteristic timber density, in kg/m3 failure along the perimeter of the fastener group. There are two types
d is the fastener diameter, in mm of loaded end failures: block shear and plug shear failure.

α is the angle of the load to the grain The characteristic load-carrying capacity for a thin steel plate, with
tt ≤ 0.5d, in single shear:

4.2 Panel-to-timber connections

⎧⎪0.4 ⋅ f h,k ⋅ t ⋅ d
When the thickness of a wood based panel is larger than the limit Rk = min⎨   (13)18
set out in equation (10), then the characteristic loading capacity of ⎪⎩2 ⋅ M y ⋅ f h,k ⋅ d
panel-to-timber connections should be calculated with the equations
for timber-to-timber connections. The characteristic load-carrying capacity for a thick steel plate, with
tt ≥ d, in single shear:

80 ◊ d ⎧ f ⋅ t ⋅ d
t panel ≥ [mm] (10)15
fh,panel,k ⎪ h,k
⎪ ⎡ 4⋅M y ⎤
⎪
Rk = min⎨1.3 ⋅ f h,k ⋅ t ⋅ d ⋅ 2 +
⎢
2
− 1⎥   (14)19
where: fh,panel,k is the characteristic embedment strength of panel, ⎪ ⎢ f h,k ⋅ d ⋅ t ⎥
⎣ ⎦
in N/mm2 ⎪
⎪⎩3 ⋅ M y ⋅ f h,k ⋅ d
d is the fastener diameter, in mm

where: fh,k is the characteristic embedment strength of the timber

For plywood the following embedment strength, should be used for member, equation (4)
all angles to face grain: t is the thickness of the timber member
d is the fastener diameter
fh,k = 0.11 · (1 – 0.01d) · ρk [N/mm2] (11)16 My is the characteristic fastener yield moment, equation (5)

where: ρk is the characteristic density of plywood, in kg/m3 The characteristic load-carrying capacity of connections with a steel
plate thickness between a thin and thick plate, where 0.5d < tt < d,
d is the fastener diameter, in mm should be calculated by linear interpolation between equations (13)
and (14).

4 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
The characteristic load-carrying capacity for a steel plate of any
thickness as the central member of a double shear connection should
be calculated with equation (14) where t is the smaller thickness of the
timber side member.
The characteristic load-carrying capacity for steel plates as the outer
member of double shear connection:
5. Multiple shear plane connections
In multiple shear plane connections the resistance of each shear plane
should be determined by assuming that each shear plane is part of
a series of three-member connections. The total capacity of multiple
shear connections is obtained by multiplying the smallest per shear
capacity by the number of shear planes, see Figure 2.

⎧0.5 ⋅ f h,k ⋅ t ⋅ d tu tu tu tu tu tstu tuts tu

⎪
⎪2 ⋅ M y ⋅ f h,k ⋅ d for t t ≤ 0.5d
⎪
Rk = min⎨3 ⋅ M y ⋅ f h,k ⋅ d for t t ≥ d   20
(15)
⎪ t
⎪⎛⎜ t + 1⎞⎟ ⋅ M ⋅ f ⋅ d for 0.5d < t t < d
⎪⎩⎜⎝ 0.5d ⎟
⎠
y h,k

4.4 Effective number of fasteners

For one row of n fasteners parallel to the grain direction, the load-
carrying capacity parallel to the grain should be calculated using the
effective number of fasteners nef :
R v,d = R2R = 2R 1,d
v,d1,d R v,d = R4v,d
min{R 1,d; R2,d
= 4 min{R 1,d}; R2,dR
}
⎧ni }
⎪ (16)21
nef = min⎨ 0.9 a ⋅t
tu tu ⎪ni 4 tu ts tu tu ts ts tu
⎩ 50 ⋅ d 2

where: ni is the number of fasteners in the row i

d is the fastener diameter

⎧min(a1 ; a3 ), when ni ≥ 2
a = ⎨ (17)22
⎩a3 , when ni = 1
a1 is the spacing of fasteners in the direction of the grain

a3 is the end distance of fasteners

R v,d = 2R 1,d R v,d = 4 min{R 1,d; R2,d } Rv,d = 6 min{R 1,d; R2,d ; R 3,d }
⎧min(t1 ; t 2 )
t = ⎨
min( 2t ;2 t ; t )
connection with timber only in outer members
(18)23   }
⎩ 1 2 s other two and multiple shear connection Figure 2: Calculating the connection capacity of a multiple shear plane
steel plate connection. R1,d is the capacity per shear of a two shear
plane timber-steel-timber (tu -steel-tu ) connection, R2,d is the capacity
t1 and t2 are the thicknesses of outer timber members, these per shear of a two shear plane steel-timber-steel (tu -ts -tu ) connection
should be discarded if the outer member is not timber and R3,d represents the capacity per shear of a two shear plane timber-
steel-timber (ts -steel-ts ) connection. 24
ts is the thickness of the inner member of double shear
connection or the smallest thickness of an inner member of a
multiple shear connection

5 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
6. Block shear failure

6.1 Timber failure capacity of the joint area

The effective number of fasteners is taken into account in the
following equations. This method can be used for Kerto-S, Kerto-Q, ⎧0.7 for Kerto - S
Kerto-T used flatwise and glued laminated timber. ⎪0.7 for edgewise Kerto - Q
⎪⎪
  (28)
34
To take into account the possibility of splitting or shear or tension k v = ⎨1.0 for flatwise Kerto - Q
failure of the joint caused by the force component parallel to grain ⎪0.7
F0,Ed , the following expression should be satisfied:
for flatwise Kerto - T
⎪
⎪⎩0.7 for glue laminated timber
k mod
F0, Ed ≤ F0, Rd = F0, Rk   (19)25
γM
n2 is the maximum number of fasteners in the fastener
The characteristic timber failure capacity of the joint area: rows perpendicular to grain
m
ft,0,k is the tension strength of the timber member
where: F0, Rk = ∑ Fi ,0, Rk   (20)26
i =1 35 N/mm2 for Kerto-S

Where Fi,0,Rk is the timber failure capacity for lamella i of the timber 19 N/mm2 for Kerto-Q (thickness 21-24 mm)
member calculated according to equation (21) and m is the number of 26 N/mm 2
for Kerto-Q (thickness 27-69 mm)
joint lamellas in the timber member. 24 N/mm2 for Kerto-T

Timber failure capacity for the lamella i should be taken as:

Fi ,0, Rk = Fip , Rk + Fep, Rk   (21)27 f v,k is the shear strength of the timber member

fv,0,edge,k 4.1 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-S connections

6.1.1 Capacity of inner part lamellas fv,0,flat,k 2.3 N/mm2 for edgewise Kerto-S connections
The capacity of inner part lamellas: fv,0,edge,k 4.5 N/mm 2
for flatwise Kerto-Q connections
fv,0,flat,k 1.3 N/mm2 for edgewise Kerto-Q connections

⎧ (
⎪min Ah,ip ⋅ f h,0,k ; Ftv ,k , vedetyiss ) ä liitoksissa
in tension joints fv,0,edge,k 2.4 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-T connections
Fip ,Rk = ⎨ (22)28
⎪
⎩min Ah ,ip(⋅ f h , 0 , k ; Fcv , k , )
puristetui
in compressionssa liitoksiss
joints a

where: fh,0,k is the embedment strength of timber parallel to grain

⎧ fy
Ah,ip = (n – n1 ) · d · t1 (23)29 ⎪0.68 ⋅ d ⋅ ≤ ti for side lamellas
⎪ f h , 0, k
cv,k F = Fv,k + (n2 – 1) · d · tef,i · fh,0,k (24)30 t ef ,i = ⎨   35
(29)
⎪ fy
⎧ ⎛ Ft ,k ⎞ ⎪1.63 ⋅ d ⋅ f h , 0, k
≤ ti for middle lamellas
⎪ Ft ,k ⎜1 − 0.3 ⋅ ⎟ , when F ≤ F
t ,k v ,k
⎩
⎪⎪ ⎜ Fv ,k ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Ftv ,k = ⎨ (25)31
⎪ ⎛ Fv ,k ⎞
⎜
⎪ Fv ,k ⎜1 − 0.3 ⋅ F
⎟ , when F > F
t ,k v ,k At ,ip = (n2 − 1)(a2 − d ) ⋅ ti   (30)36
⎪⎩ ⎟
⎝ t ,k ⎠
Av,ip = 2(n2 − 1)((n1 − 1)a1 + a3 ) ⋅ tef ,i (31)37
⎧⎪1.7 ⋅ n1−0.1 ⋅ At ,ip ⋅ f t ,0,k for for Kerto - LVL
Kerto-LVL
Ft ,k = ⎨ −0.1
(26)32  
2.0 ⋅ n ⋅ A ⋅ f for for
gluedglued laminated timber
⎪⎩ 1 t ,ip t , 0,k laminated timber
fy is the yield strength of the fastener
−0.1
Fv,k = k v ⋅ n1 ⋅ Av,ip ⋅ f v,k   (27)33 a1 is the fastener spacing parallel to the grain
a2 is the fastener spacing perpendicular to the grain
n is the number of fasteners
a3 is the fastener end distance
n1 is the mean number of fasteners in the rows parallel to
grain (n1=n/n2)
d is the fastener diameter
ti is the lamella thickness ≤ penetration of the fastener

6 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
Figure 3: Definition of symbols for the inner parts of lamellas. 38

6.1.2 Capacity of the edge part of lamellas The splitting capacities:

The capacity of the edge part of lamellas:
0.9
⎧ ( joints )
in tension ä liitoksissa
⎪min Ah,ep ⋅ f h,0,k ; Ftv ,k ; Fsv ,k ; Fse ,k , vedetyiss F =
14 n1
⋅ t ef ,i ⋅ (a3 − 0.5d ) ⋅ f t ,90,k   (40)47
Fep,Rk = ⎨ (32)39 s  , k
s hole
⎪ (
⎩min Ah,ep ⋅ f h,0,k ; Fcv,k , puristetui
in compression )
ssajoints
liitoksissa

0.9
14 n1
Fse ,k = ⋅ t ef ,i ⋅ (a3 − 0.5d ) ⋅ f t ,90,k   (41)48
where: Ah,ep = n1 ⋅ d ⋅ ti (33)40 s end

(34)41 where: ft,90,k is the tension strength of timber member

Fcv,k = Fv ,k + d ⋅ t ef ,i ⋅ f h,0,k  
0.8 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-S connections
0.4 N/mm2 for edgewise Kerto-S connections
⎧ ⎛ Fs ,k ⎞
⎪Fs ,k ⋅ ⎜1 − 0.3 ⎟ when F ≤ F
s ,k v ,k
6.0 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-Q connections
⎪ ⎜ Fv,k ⎟ 0.4 N/mm for edgewise Kerto-Q connections
Fsv ,k = ⎨ ⎝ ⎠   42
2

(35)
⎪F ⎛ Fv,k ⎞ 0.5 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-T connections

⎪ v,k ⋅ ⎜1 − 0.3 ⎟ when F ≤ F

v ,k s ,k
⎜ Fs ,k ⎟
⎩ ⎝ ⎠
⎧1
⎪
s hole = max ⎨ a3   (42)49
and Ftv,k is calculated according to equations (25) - (27) with ⎪0.65 a
substitutions from equation (36): ⎩ 4

At ,ip = kt ,ep ⋅ At ,ep and Av ,ip = Av ,ep   (36)43 2 .7

s end =   (43)50
⎛ a ⎞
where: At ,ep = (2a4 − d ) ⋅ ti   (37)44 cosh ⎜⎜ 3 − 1,4 ⎟⎟
⎝ a 4 ⎠
Av,ep = 2((n1 − 1)a1 + a3 ) ⋅ tef ,i   (38)45

1 (39)46
kt ,ep =  
At ,ep
1+
Av,ep

a4 is the fastener edge distance

7 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
Figure 4: Definition of symbols for the edge parts of lamellas. 51

6.2 Connection forces at an angle to the grain For softwood, the characteristic splitting capacity:
When a force in a connection acts at an angle to the grain, see Figure
5, the possibility of splitting caused by the tension force component, he
(FEd · sin α), perpendicular to grain, shall be taken into account. F90,k = 14 ⋅ b ⋅ [N] (46)55
⎛ he ⎞
⎜1 − ⎟
For solid timber, glued laminated timber, Kerto-S, Kerto-T and ⎝ h ⎠
Kerto-Q edgewise, the following expressions shall be satisfied:
where: he is the loaded edge distance to the centre of the
most distant fastener, in mm, see Figure 5
Fv , Ed ≤ F90,d   (44)52 h is the timber member height, in mm
b is the member thickness, but not more than the
where: F90, d   is the design splitting capacity penetration depth, in mm

Fv , Ed = max (Fv , Ed 1 ; Fv , Ed 2 ) (45)53 The equation (46) does not need to be checked for flatwise
Kerto-Q connections since Kerto-Q when used flatwise is not
Fv ,Ed 1  and Fv ,Ed 2 are the design shear forces on sensitive to splitting caused by connection forces at an angle to
the grain due to the cross-veneers.
either side of the connection caused by the connection
force component (FEd · sin α) perpendicular to the grain

 
Figure 5: Connection forces at the angle of grain. 54

8 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
6.3 Alternative dimensioning method The characteristic block shear capacity of a timber member:
Timber failure capacity of the joint area can be calculated by the met-
hod shown in RIL 205-1-2009 in section 8.2.4S Lohkeamismurto. Fbt ,k = Lnet ,t ⋅ t1 ⋅ kbt ⋅ f t ,0,k   (47)57
When using this method, the connection area for splitting and row
shear is taken into account by using the effective number of fastener where: f t ,0,k is the tension strength of timber member
nef , see equation (16). This method cannot be used for edgewise Kerto without the size effect
connections.
⎧1,5, Sahatavara ja liimapuu
When connection force components are parallel to the grain, the tim- kbt = ⎨ 1.50, for solid wood and glued laminated timber (48)58
ber failure should be checked at tension loaded member ends. There ⎩11.25,
,25,for
LVL Kerto-LVL
are two types of timber failure modes: block shear and plug shear.
The block and plug shear capacities do not require checking for
connections where all the fasteners are in a single row parallel to the Lnet ,t = (n2 − 1) ⋅ (a2 − D ) (49)59
grain (n2 = 1).

For Steel-to-timber connections with Kerto-Q, both block shear and

n2 is the number of rows perpendicular to the grain
plug shear capacity should be checked.
a2 is the fastener spacing perpendicular to the grain
For bolted connections, where the amount of fasteners in a row paral- D is the hole diameter
lel to grain is not more than four and the bolt spacing perpendicular
t1 is the thickness of the timber member (t1 ≤ 2tef)
to the grain a2 ≥ 5d, the block shear capacity does not need to be
checked.
The characteristic block shear capacity of Kerto-Q member:
For bolted timber-to-timber connection the plug shear capacity does
not require checking.

⎧⎪ Lnet ,t ⋅ t1 ⋅ f t ,0,k + 0.7 ⋅ Lnet ,v ⋅ t1 ⋅ f v,k

Fbt ,k = max ⎨ (50)60
L ⋅ t ⋅ k
⎪⎩ net ,t 1 bt t ,0,k ⋅ f

where: fv,k is the edgewise shear strength (fv,0, edge, k = 4.5 N/mm2)
Lnet ,v = 2 ⋅ (a3 + (n1 − 1) ⋅ (a1 − D ))   (51)61
a3 is the fasteners end distance
a1 is the fastener spacing parallel to the grain
n1 is the amount of rows parallel to the grain

The characteristic plug shear capacity of a Kerto member:

( )
Fps,k = Lnet ,t ⋅ t ef ⋅ f t ,0,k + (a3 + (n1 − 1)⋅ a1 )⋅ f v ,0,k   (52)62

where: Lnet ,t = (n2 − 1)⋅ (a2 − D ) (53)63

Rk
tef = (54)64
d ⋅ f h , 0, k
 
Kuva 6: a) Block shear b) Plug shear 56 f v,0, k is the shear strength of the timber member

fv,0,flat,k 2.3 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-S connections
fv,0,flat,k 1.3 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-Q connections
fv,0,flat,k 1.3 N/mm2 for flatwise Kerto-T connections

Rk is the characteristic load-carrying capacity per shear

plane per fastener
fh,0,k is the characteristic embedment strength

9 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
7. Steel plates fu is the ultimate tensile strength of the steel plate
fub is the ultimate tensile strength of the fastener
7.1 Tension strength
d is the fastener diameter
N Ed d0 is the hole diameter in steel plate
≤ 1.0 (55)
N t , Rd e1 is the end distance of the fastener
e2 is the edge distance of the fastener
where: NEd is the tension force design value
p1 is the fastener spacing parallel to load
⎪ N pl,Rd
⎧ p2 is the fastener spacing perpendicular to load
N t ,Rd = min⎨   (56)
⎪ N
⎩ u , Rd tt is the thickness of the steel plate
γM2 is the partial factor of the steel plate (see Table 3)
the design tension capacity for gross area:

A⋅ f y
N pl , Rd =   (57)
γM0
7.3 Block tearing
the design tension capacity for net area
The block tearing design capacity of a steel plate when a symmetrical
0.9 ⋅ Anet ⋅ f u fastener group has a centric force:
N u , Rd =   (58)
γ M2
A is the gross area of cross-section (61)

Anet is the net area of cross-section

fu is the ultimate tensile strength where: Ant is the tension stressed net area of cross-section
fy is the yield tensile strength Anv is the shear stressed net area of cross-section
M0 and γM2 are the partial factors
γ
fu is the ultimate tensile strength
fy is the yield tensile strength
γM0 and γM2 are the partial factors
7.2 Embedment strength

The design embedment strength for a single fastener:

k1 ⋅ ab ⋅ f u ⋅ d ⋅ t 8. Axially loaded bolts

Fb, Rd = (59)
γM2
The axial load-bearing capacity and withdrawal capacity of a bolt
should be taken as the lower value of: the bolt tensile capacity; the
⎛ f ⎞
where: ab = min⎜⎜α d ; ub ;1.0 ⎟⎟   (60) load-bearing capacity of either the washer or (for steel-to-timber con-
⎝ fu ⎠ nections) the steel plate.

parallel to force: The bearing capacity of a washer should be calculated assuming a

characteristic compressive strength on the contact area of 3fc,90,k .
e1
- for plate’s end fasteners αd = ;
3d 0 The bearing capacity per bolt of a steel plate should not exceed that
p 1 of a circular washer with a diame-ter which is the minimum of:
- others αd = 1 − 12tt , where tt is the plate thickness; 4d, where d is the bolt diameter.
3d 0 4
Washer with a side length (in the case of square washers) or a diameter
perpendicular to force: of at least 3d and a thickness of at least 0.3d should be used under the
head and nut. Washers should have a full bearing area.
⎛ e ⎞
- for plate’s end fasteners k1 = min⎜⎜ 2.8 2 − 1.7;2.5 ⎟⎟  
⎝ d0 ⎠
⎛ p ⎞
- others k1 = min⎜⎜1.4 2 − 1.7;2.5 ⎟⎟
⎝ d0 ⎠

10 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
9. Fastener spacings and edge and end distances

11 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood. 64 RIL 205-1-2009, sivu 115
BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in 65 EN 1995-1-1:2004, taulukko 8.5 ja VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009, sivut 20-21
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
Figure 7: Minimum spacings and end and edge distances

12 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
 The fastener spacing parallel to the grain a1 and perpendicular to the grain a2 :

Loaded end Unloaded end Loaded edge Unloaded edge

α is the angle between a force and the grain direction

Figure 8: Fastener spacings and edge and end distances. 65

Table 4: Bolt minimum spacings and edge and end minimum distances 66

Spacing and edge/ Angle Solid timber and glued Kerto-S, Kerto-T and Flatwise Kerto-Q
end distance, see Figure 8 laminated timber edgewise Kerto-Q

a1 0°≤ α ≤ 360° (4+|cosα|) d (4+3|cosα|) d d) 4d

a2 0°≤ α ≤ 360° 4 d a) 4 d a) 4 d a)

a3t -90°≤ α ≤ 90° max(7 d; 80 mm) max(7 d; 105 mm) b) max(4 d; 60 mm) c)

a3c 90°≤ α ≤ 150° (1+6 sin α)d (1+6 sin α)d 4d

150°≤ α ≤ 210° 4d 4d 4d
210°≤ α ≤ 270° (1+6 |sin α|)d (1+6 |sin α|)d 4d
a4t 0°≤ α ≤ 180° max((2+2 sin α)d; 3 d) max((2+2 sin α)d; 3 d) max((2+2 sinα)d; 3 d)
a4c 180°≤ α ≤ 360° 3d 3d 3d

a) Block shear should also be checked in timber connections if a < 5d.

2

b) For bolts with diameter d < 15 mm, the minimum end distance may be further reduced to 7d, if the embedment strength f
h,0,k is reduced by factor a3 / (105 mm).

c) For bolts with diameter d < 15 mm, the minimum end distance may be further reduced to 4d, if the embedment strength f
h,0,k is reduced by factor a3,t / (60 mm).

d) The minimum spacing may be further reduced to 5d if the embedment strength f

h,0,k is reduced by factor

13 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
Table 5: For bolted moment resisting multi shear Kerto-to-Kerto flatwise connections with circular patterns of
fasteners, the following minimum values of distances and spacings may be used. 67

Spacing and edge/end distances Kerto-S to Kerto-Q a) Kerto-S to Kerto-S Kerto-Q to Kerto-Q

6 d in Kerto-S
End distance 7d 4d
4 d in Kerto-Q

4 d in Kerto-S
Edge distance 4d 3d
3 d in Kerto-Q

Spacing on a circular 5d 6d 4d
Spacing between circulars b) 5d 5d 4d

a) When Kerto-Q is used as outer member

b) Between radius of the circulars

Figure 9: For bolted moment resisting multi shear Kerto-to-Kerto flatwise

connections with circular patterns of fasteners.

10. Allowed tolerances of bolted 11. Bibliography

connections
1 EN 1995-1-1:2004. Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures
Table 6: Allowed tolerances of bolt connections - allowed deviations
from designed position, unless structural design otherwise states. 68 - Part 1-1: General - Common rules and rules for buildings. 2004.
2 EN 1995-1-1:2004/A1:2008. Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures
bolt location simultaneous drilling a) ± 5 mm b)
- Part 1-1: General - Common rules and rules for buildings. 2008.
Bolt
connection
hole location separate drilling ± 1.5 mm c) 3 VTT CERTIFICATE NO 184/03. Revised 24 March, 2009. 2009.
tightening parts to contact tilted gap max. 3 mm 4 RIL 205-1-2009. Puurakenteiden suunnitteluohja, eurokoodi EN
a) Drilling through all the parts without stopping or using a predrilled part as a 1995-1-1. Suomen Rakennusinsinöörien Liitto RIL, 2009.
template. 5 EN 1993-1-8:2005. Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures.
b) On rows parallel to the grain, the fasteners can have a maximum tolerance of Part 1-8: Design of joints. 2005.
5 mm to each other in the parallel direction. 6 EN 1993-1-1:2005. Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures.
c) Prerequisite that the timber members have 1 mm bigger holes than the bolt Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings. 2005.
diameter and metal plates have 1.5...2.0 mm bigger holes than the bolt diameter. 7 VTT-S-07046-09. Design method for timber failure capacity of
dowelled and bolted glulam connections. 2009.
8 EN 14592:2008+A1:2012. Timber structures - Dowel-type fasteners -
Requirements. 2012.

14 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
Calculation example

Laterally loaded timber-to-timber bolt connection

Location: Roof truss, lower chord tension joint.

Capacity of laterally loaded bolt group

 
Figure 10: Connection detail drawing

Checking the possibility of using M12 bolts, d = 12 mm

Bolt grade is 8.8, fuk = 800 N/mm2

Timber beams: Kerto-S flatwise connection.

Service class: 2, load-duration class: medium term action.

The thicknesses of connection timbers, double shear plane connection.

t1 = 51 mm > 4d = 48 mm
t2 = 51 mm > 4d = 48 mm
ts = 63 mm > 5d = 60 mm and ts > min(t1,t2) = 51 mm

The thicknesses of the connecting timber members are OK.

The characteristic embedment strength:

fh,0,k = 0.082 · (1-0.01·d) · ρk = 0.082 · (1-0.01·12) · 480 = 34.63 N/mm2

fh,1,k = fh,2,k = fh,s,k = fh,0,k = 34.63 N/mm²

fh,k = min( fh,1,k; fh,2,k; fh,s,k ) = 34.63 N/mm²

⎧ t1 ⋅ f h,1,k ⎧ 51mm ⋅ 34.63 N / mm 2

⎪ ⎪
⎪ f h,k ⎪ 34.63 N / mm 2
t u = min ⎨ = ⎨ 2
= 51mm  
⎪ t 2 ⋅ f h , 2 , k ⎪ 51mm ⋅ 34 .63 N / mm
⎪ f ⎪⎩ 34.63 N / mm 2
⎩ h,k

15 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
The characteristic value for the yield moment:

My = 0.3 · fu,k · d 2.6 = 0.3 · 800 · 122.6 = 153490 Nmm

The characteristic load-carrying capacity per shear plane per fastener for single shear:

⎧ 3⋅ M y
⎪⎪0.4 ⋅ f h,k ⋅ t u ⋅ d ⋅ 1 +
Rk = min ⎨ f h,k ⋅ d ⋅ t u2  
⎪
⎪⎩2 ⋅ M y ⋅ f h,k ⋅ d
⎧ 2 3 ⋅ 153490Nmm
⎪0.4 ⋅ 34.63 N / mm ⋅ 51mm ⋅ 12 mm ⋅ 1 +
⎪ 2 2
Rk = min⎨ 34.63 N / mm ⋅ 12 mm ⋅ (51mm)  
⎪ 2
⎩2 ⋅ 153490Nmm ⋅ 34.63 N / mm ⋅ 12 mm
⎪

⎧10123 N
Rk = min⎨ = 10.12kN / shear
⎩15973 N

The design capacity per bolt per shear plane:

kmod = 0.8 and γM = 1.2

kmod ⋅ Rk 0.8 ⋅10.12kN / shear

Rd ,1 = = = 6.76kN / shear
γM 1.2

For one row of n bolts parallel to the grain direction, the load-carrying capacity parallel to
the grain should be calculated using the effective number of bolts nef :

a = min( a1; a3 ) = 85 mm

t = min( 2t1; 2t2; ts ) = min( 102mm; 102 mm; 63 mm ) = 63 mm

ni = 2

⎧ni ⎧2
⎪ ⎪ ⎧2
nef = min⎨ 0.9 a ⋅ t = min⎨2 0.9 ⋅ 4 85mm ⋅ 63mm = min⎨ = 1.73
⎪ni ⋅ 4 2 ⎩1.73
50 ⋅ d
2 ⎪
⎩ 50 ⋅ (12mm)
⎩

The design capacity of timber-to-timber connection:

Rd = amount of bolts · per shear capacity · shears = (2 · 1.73) · 6.76 kN/shear · 2 shears
= 46.77 kN

Fv, d
Fv, d = 40kN ⇒ η = = 86%  
Rd

Utilization rate against timber-to-timber capacity is 86 %. –> OK

16 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood.

BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd.
When the lateral timber-to-timber load-carrying capacity is calculated according to
the effective number of bolts in a row parallel to grain, the block shear capacity can be
calculated according to section 6.3 using equation (47).

Lnet ,t = (n2 − 1)⋅ (a2 − D ) = (2 − 1) ⋅ (50 mm − 13mm) = 37 mm

The characteristic load-bearing capacity of block shear:

Fbt,k = Lnet,t · t1 · kbt · ft,0,k = 37 mm · 63 mm · 1.25 · 35 N/mm² = 101.98 kN

The design load-bearing capacity of block shear:

kmod = 0.8 and γM = 1.2

kmod
Fbt, d = Fbt, k = 67.98kN  
γM
Fv,d
Fv,d = 40kN ⇒ η = = 59%
Fbt ,d

Utilization rate against block shear capacity is 59 %. –> OK

Endnotes
1 EN 14592:2008+A1:2012 6.5.2 35 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.10) and VTT-S-07046-09 (10)
2 EN 1995-1-1:2004/A1:2008 table 3.1 and EN 1995-1-1:2004/NA table 2.3(FI) 36 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.11) and VTT-S-07046-09 (11)
3 EN1995-1-1:2004 table 4.1 37 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.12) and VTT-S-07046-09 (12)
4 EN 14592: 2008+A1:2012 table A.1 38 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 25
5 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (2.17) 39 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.13) and VTT-S-07046-09 (13)
6 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.28.1S) 40 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.14) and VTT-S-07046-09 (14)
7 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.28.2S) 41 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.15) and VTT-S-07046-09 (15)
8 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.28.3S) 42 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.16) and VTT-S-07046-09 (16)
9 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.30) 43 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 26
10 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.31) 44 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.17) and VTT-S-07046-09 (17)
11 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.32) and VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 20 45 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.18) and VTT-S-07046-09 (18)
12 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 20 46 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.19) and VTT-S-07046-09 (19)
13 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.33) and VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 20 47 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.20) and VTT-S-07046-09 (20)
14 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 20 48 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.21) and VTT-S-07046-09 (21)
15 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.35.1S) 49 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.22) and VTT-S-07046-09 (22)
16 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.36) 50 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.23) and VTT-S-07046-09 (23)
17 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.37) 51 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 27
18 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.37.1S) 52 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.2)
19 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.37.2S) 53 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.3)
20 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.37.3S) - (8.37.5S) 54 EN 1995-1-1:2004 figure 8.1
21 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.33.3S) 55 EN 1995-1-1:2004 (8.4)
22 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.33.4S) 56 RIL 205-1-2009 page 99
23 RIL 205-1-2009 page 116 57 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.1S)
24 RIL 205-1-2009 page 96 58 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.2S)
25 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.1) and VTT-S-07046-09 (1) 59 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.3S)
26 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.2) and VTT-S-07046-09 (2) 60 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.1S) and (8.4.34)
27 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.3) and VTT-S-07046-09 (3) 61 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.5S)
28 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.4) and VTT-S-07046-09 (4) 62 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.6S)
29 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.5) and VTT-S-07046-09 (5) 63 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.3S)
30 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.6) and VTT-S-07046-09 (6) 64 RIL 205-1-2009 (8.4.7S)
31 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.7) and VTT-S-07046-09 (7) 65 EN 1995-1-1:2004 figure 8.7
32 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.8) and VTT-S-07046-09 (8) 66 EN 1995-1-1:2004 table 8.5 and VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 pages 20-21
33 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 (B.9) and VTT-S-07046-09 (9) 67 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 21
34 VTT 184/03 Rev. 24 March 2009 page 24 68 RIL 205-1-2009 table 10.2S

17 KERTO MANUAL This instruction is property of Metsä Wood. This document is property of Metsäliitto Cooperative (Metsä Wood) and is only applicable when used along with products produced by Metsä Wood. Use of
BOLTED CONNECTIONS The instruction has been prepared in the document for other manufacturer's product is prohibited. Metsäliitto Cooperative is not responsible for application of documents or possible faults in
APRIL 2013 cooperation with VTT Expert Services Ltd. documents. This clausul must not be removed. Metsä Wood and Kerto are registered trademarks of Metsäliitto Cooperative (Metsä Wood).