Numerical Modeling of Connections with Screws in Cross-Laminated Timber

Reinforced angle brackets are commonly used as connectors in wood structures. These connectors are typically installed with ring shank nails or screws. This paper presents the experimental results of cross-laminated timber (CLT) connections which consist of reinforced angle brackets and heavy-duty screws. These screws are one of the stiffest and the strongest options for the fasteners which can be used with the reinforced angle brackets. However, this option has not been extensively studied by many scholars yet. Therefore, this paper contains detailed numerical simulations with aim to be able to predict the failure modes and the load-bearing capacities of experimentally tested connections. Benefits together with the limitations of the presented numerical method are discussed.