AWC Connection Calculator Updated

Leesburg, Virginia (Sept. 16, 2019)—The American Wood Council (AWC) released an updated version of its free Connection Calculator based on the provisions the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction as referenced in the 2015 International Building Code.The updated calculator includes cross-laminated timber (CLT) connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.

The Connection Calculator provides users with an app-based approach for calculating capacities for single bolts, nails, lag screws and wood screws. It offers a convenient way to determine both lateral and withdrawal connection values and includes adjustment factors for temperature, wet service, varying load durations and end grain. 

Additionally, single and double shear capacities can be determined, as well as wood-to-wood, wood-to-concrete and wood-to-steel connections, using a variety of solid sawn lumber, glulam, CLT species and wood structural panels. For connections loaded in shear, the calculator presents results for each of the NDS-prescribed yield modes and calls out the controlling result.

“Modern technology helps simplify our daily lives in many ways. Now, today’s technology plays an important role in the way the wood construction industry is improving speed, efficiency and safety, and even compliance with the latest building codes and standards,” said Bradford Douglas, P.E., AWC’s vice president of engineering.

The updated Connection Calculator is available as a Windows 10 application, as well as for free download on iOS and Android devices. AWC has also developed several other free, web-, mobile- and tablet-based applications to streamline the process of ensuring new and existing buildings comply with the latest building codes and standards. 

For more information, visit awc.org/codes-standards/calculators-software.