stecklergreg@gmail.com
01-06-2025, 12:45 PM
There is very little engineering done on these 3 connector systems even though they have been used for over a century on jetties, wharves, docks and every where you want to attach two or more logs together. So I asked ChatGPT4o and this is what it said:
Share
You said:
https://www.shearplates.com/related-products/
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
The webpage provides information about related products to shear plates, including split ring timber connectors, grooving tools, and spike grids.
Split Rings (2-1/2″ and 4″) improve joint strength in timber trusses.
Grooving Tools create precise grooves for split rings.
Spike Grids enhance joint strength in timber structures like decks, pole buildings, and bridges.
For full details, visit: Shear Plates - Related Products
4o
You said:
tHE WEBSITE ABOVE DOESNOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION ON ENGINEERING OF THESE PRODUCTS. iS IT POSSIBLE YOU CAN ENGINEER OR PROVIDE CALCULATIONS ON SPIKE GRIDS OR SPLIT RINGS?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Yes, I can provide engineering calculations for spike grids and split ring connectors based on structural mechanics principles.
For split rings, the calculations typically involve:
Shear Capacity: Based on timber species, thickness, and connector size.
Bearing Strength: Calculated using wood's allowable stress.
Load Distribution: Assuming multiple connectors in a joint.
For spike grids, considerations include:
Shear and Bearing Capacity: Based on timber embedment and load transfer.
Lateral Load Resistance: Derived from metal plate interactions.
Would you like a sample calculation for a specific joint condition?
4o
You said:
YES
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Let's start with a sample split ring connector calculation for a timber joint.
Given Data:
Timber Species: Douglas Fir-Larch (assume Fc_perp = 625 psi)
Split Ring Size: 2-1/2" diameter
Wood Member Thickness: 3.5 inches
Applied Load: 10,000 lbs
Step 1: Bearing Strength Check
The bearing stress is calculated using:
Fb=PAF_b = \frac{P}{A}Fb=AP
Where:
PPP = Applied Load = 10,000 lbs
AAA = Bearing Area of the ring = dΧtd \times tdΧt
(diameter Χ thickness of the rings wood bearing surface)
For a 2-1/2" split ring:
A=2.5"Χ3.5"=8.75 in2A = 2.5" \times 3.5" = 8.75 \text{ in}^2A=2.5"Χ3.5"=8.75 in2 Fb=10,0008.75=1143 psiF_b = \frac{10,000}{8.75} = 1143 \text{ psi}Fb=8.7510,000=1143 psi
This exceeds the allowable bearing stress (625 psi), meaning the joint must either:
1. Increase wood thickness for a larger bearing area.
2. Use multiple split rings to distribute the load.
Would you like to explore multi-ring configurations or a spike grid analysis next?
4o
You said:
Let's do spike grid next. And sorry for the caps lock earlier
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Let's perform an engineering analysis for spike grids used in timber connections.
Given Data:
Timber Species: Douglas Fir-Larch (assume Fc_perp = 625 psi)
Spike Grid Type: Steel Plate with Spikes
Wood Member Thickness: 3.5 inches
Applied Load: 10,000 lbs
Number of Spike Grids: 2 (one on each side)
Step 1: Bearing Strength Calculation
The bearing strength of a spike grid depends on:
Wood compressive strength perpendicular to grain Fc⊥F_{c\perp}Fc⊥
Contact area between spikes and wood.
Assuming a spike grid area of 6" Χ 6", the total contact area is:
A=6Χ6=36 in2A = 6 \times 6 = 36 \text{ in}^2A=6Χ6=36 in2
The bearing stress is:
σ=PA=10,00036=278 psi\sigma = \frac{P}{A} = \frac{10,000}{36} = 278 \text{ psi}σ=AP=3610,000=278 psi
Since 278 psi < 625 psi (allowable), the connection is safe under bearing.
Step 2: Shear Strength of Spikes
Each spike resists shear based on:
Number of spikes
Shear strength of individual spikes
For a steel spike grid with 20 spikes per plate and an individual spike shear capacity of 500 lbs, the total shear resistance is:
Rtotal=20Χ500=10,000 lbsR_{total} = 20 \times 500 = 10,000 \text{ lbs}Rtotal=20Χ500=10,000 lbs
Since this equals the applied load, the connection is at its limit. A safety factor should be applied.
Would you like a detailed safety factor check or a different joint scenario?
4o
You said:
this is very good news. Thank you so muych
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the spike grid analysis useful. If you need additional calculations, safety factors, or other structural engineering insights for your log home designs, feel free to ask. I'm happy to assist with optimizing your timber connections and ensuring code compliance.
Would you like to explore load combinations, deflection limits, or alternative fasteners in future designs?
4o
You said:
Not right now but I will return to this subject.
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
That sounds great! Whenever you're ready to dive back into timber connection engineering, just let me know. Whether it's refining spike grid calculations, exploring slip joints for log settling, or optimizing split ring designs, I'm here to help. Happy designing! 🚪🏡
Share
You said:
https://www.shearplates.com/related-products/
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
The webpage provides information about related products to shear plates, including split ring timber connectors, grooving tools, and spike grids.
Split Rings (2-1/2″ and 4″) improve joint strength in timber trusses.
Grooving Tools create precise grooves for split rings.
Spike Grids enhance joint strength in timber structures like decks, pole buildings, and bridges.
For full details, visit: Shear Plates - Related Products
4o
You said:
tHE WEBSITE ABOVE DOESNOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION ON ENGINEERING OF THESE PRODUCTS. iS IT POSSIBLE YOU CAN ENGINEER OR PROVIDE CALCULATIONS ON SPIKE GRIDS OR SPLIT RINGS?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Yes, I can provide engineering calculations for spike grids and split ring connectors based on structural mechanics principles.
For split rings, the calculations typically involve:
Shear Capacity: Based on timber species, thickness, and connector size.
Bearing Strength: Calculated using wood's allowable stress.
Load Distribution: Assuming multiple connectors in a joint.
For spike grids, considerations include:
Shear and Bearing Capacity: Based on timber embedment and load transfer.
Lateral Load Resistance: Derived from metal plate interactions.
Would you like a sample calculation for a specific joint condition?
4o
You said:
YES
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Let's start with a sample split ring connector calculation for a timber joint.
Given Data:
Timber Species: Douglas Fir-Larch (assume Fc_perp = 625 psi)
Split Ring Size: 2-1/2" diameter
Wood Member Thickness: 3.5 inches
Applied Load: 10,000 lbs
Step 1: Bearing Strength Check
The bearing stress is calculated using:
Fb=PAF_b = \frac{P}{A}Fb=AP
Where:
PPP = Applied Load = 10,000 lbs
AAA = Bearing Area of the ring = dΧtd \times tdΧt
(diameter Χ thickness of the rings wood bearing surface)
For a 2-1/2" split ring:
A=2.5"Χ3.5"=8.75 in2A = 2.5" \times 3.5" = 8.75 \text{ in}^2A=2.5"Χ3.5"=8.75 in2 Fb=10,0008.75=1143 psiF_b = \frac{10,000}{8.75} = 1143 \text{ psi}Fb=8.7510,000=1143 psi
This exceeds the allowable bearing stress (625 psi), meaning the joint must either:
1. Increase wood thickness for a larger bearing area.
2. Use multiple split rings to distribute the load.
Would you like to explore multi-ring configurations or a spike grid analysis next?
4o
You said:
Let's do spike grid next. And sorry for the caps lock earlier
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Let's perform an engineering analysis for spike grids used in timber connections.
Given Data:
Timber Species: Douglas Fir-Larch (assume Fc_perp = 625 psi)
Spike Grid Type: Steel Plate with Spikes
Wood Member Thickness: 3.5 inches
Applied Load: 10,000 lbs
Number of Spike Grids: 2 (one on each side)
Step 1: Bearing Strength Calculation
The bearing strength of a spike grid depends on:
Wood compressive strength perpendicular to grain Fc⊥F_{c\perp}Fc⊥
Contact area between spikes and wood.
Assuming a spike grid area of 6" Χ 6", the total contact area is:
A=6Χ6=36 in2A = 6 \times 6 = 36 \text{ in}^2A=6Χ6=36 in2
The bearing stress is:
σ=PA=10,00036=278 psi\sigma = \frac{P}{A} = \frac{10,000}{36} = 278 \text{ psi}σ=AP=3610,000=278 psi
Since 278 psi < 625 psi (allowable), the connection is safe under bearing.
Step 2: Shear Strength of Spikes
Each spike resists shear based on:
Number of spikes
Shear strength of individual spikes
For a steel spike grid with 20 spikes per plate and an individual spike shear capacity of 500 lbs, the total shear resistance is:
Rtotal=20Χ500=10,000 lbsR_{total} = 20 \times 500 = 10,000 \text{ lbs}Rtotal=20Χ500=10,000 lbs
Since this equals the applied load, the connection is at its limit. A safety factor should be applied.
Would you like a detailed safety factor check or a different joint scenario?
4o
You said:
this is very good news. Thank you so muych
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the spike grid analysis useful. If you need additional calculations, safety factors, or other structural engineering insights for your log home designs, feel free to ask. I'm happy to assist with optimizing your timber connections and ensuring code compliance.
Would you like to explore load combinations, deflection limits, or alternative fasteners in future designs?
4o
You said:
Not right now but I will return to this subject.
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
That sounds great! Whenever you're ready to dive back into timber connection engineering, just let me know. Whether it's refining spike grid calculations, exploring slip joints for log settling, or optimizing split ring designs, I'm here to help. Happy designing! 🚪🏡