Moment Frames from Engineered Wood

[dpa]

I would appreciate any comments on the use of engineered wood and moment resisting plate connections for building moment frames. Sizing bolt holes is a particular concern. It seems if you make the bolt holes too tight there is bound to be splitting due to shrinkage but if the bolt holes are not tight it seems that the moment connection does not begin to resist until there has been some lateral displacement. Would lag screws be a better choice? If so how big a problem is splitting?

Another concern is the relative cost of steel vs large pieces of engineered wood. Any experience there?

This is the same house as my post on steel moment frames a few days ago. Since the temperatures in that area are often sub-zero the PUD may not approve the use of steel.

Thanks,
DPA

 

[connect2]

Not sure where you are but -25F is not an unusual temperature here for the local building officials, would assume the frame is within the building envelope if you really feel temperature loads and other related issues may be a problem?
In any case a number of years ago i was flipping through the EuroCode 5??? Timber design 1995?, and found a very indepth section on Moment Connections, beautiful, circular BOLT <-----, patterns, fairly large depth members, but the circular positions of the BOLTS <----- was very elegant, unfortunately i've never had the opportunity to check it out. you might have some difficulty with Laminated Veener Lumbers and material properties, they being somewhat 'proprietory', glue-lam may be your best bet.
Try searching EuroCodes for Timber Moment Frame design and connections.

 

[dpa]

Thanks connect2.

DPA