Uplift Connection Design Spliced Wood

[jefftsolar]

Good evening,

Seeking help and some advice for designing a connection with the following conditions:

1) Two 8x8 Southern Pine beam members joining together on top of an 8x8 column. The 8x8 beam split centerline occurs right at the centerline of the 8x8 column.
2) The connection needs to resist approximately 1 kip uplift and downward force acting along the centerline.

My initial thought was to use the simpson PC8Z post cap to join the members together towards the bottom of the beams, and perhaps put some kind of tie plate towards the top of the beam fibers for tension resistance.

https://www.strongtie.com/onepiecepostcaps_postcaps/pcz-epcz_productgroup_wcc/p/pcz.epcz

However, reading the PC8Z literature, it states "Uplift loads do not apply to spliced conditions. Spliced conditions must be detailed by the Designer to transfer tension loads between spliced members by means other than the post cap."

I figured by looking at the connection, I can understand the exerpt where the spliced conditions shall have another means of transferring tension loads. However, I'm stuck, because I'm trying to find a way for the connection to adequately resist 1 kip of uplift and being able to justify the calculations.

With all this being said, I'm curious to know if anybody has any suggestions or recommendations for this connection design? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[msquared48]

Use a knife plate connection if you want it hidden.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[jefftsolar]

A knife plate isn't a bad idea! Appreciate the tip! I'm working with the contractor to see what is preferred, but I really like the idea of the knife plate.