SR2 The end restraint of timber-framed panels in wall bracing tests (2007)

This report describes the development and testing of an improved end restraint detail to be incorporated in the standard wall racking test procedure as described in BRANZ Technical Paper P21.

This report proposes a restraint detail based on actual connections with nails loaded in shear. Comparative testing was carried out. Uplift of the panel ends, using the new detail, was reduced to approximately one-third that recorded with the current P21 detail.

For test panels lined with 7.5 mm plywood, the racking resistance improved by an average of 30%. For test panels lined with 9.5 mm paper-faced gypsum plaster board, panel stiffness improved but was offset by earlier failure of sheet to frame fixings.