Does anyone know of any testing that has been done on shear panels using screws instead of nails? I often hear that sheetrock screws are too brittle for the purpose, but given the shape of the heads of sheetrock screws and the fact that most nail failure in shear panels involves pull-through, I would expect sheetrock screws also to fail by pull-through. In any case, there are lots of kinds of screws with head shapes more appropriate to shear panels, such as wafer-headed panel screws, and the data I’ve seen on panel screws show shear and pull-out strenth much greater (many times greater) than those of comparable-sized nails. But I can’t find any information specifically on the use of screws in shear panels for seismic and wind loads.
Replies
most nail failure in shear panels involves pull-through
That's because they didn't fail in shear.
The load design for shear panels is in shear, not pull out.
Why use screws? Nails are a lot faster and cheaper.
Joe H
Do a search of previous threads. Most here, including myself favor the use of nails because of ease and tested systems.
There is a small but persistant cult (G) that prefer screws. They may contact you.
Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.