Nail Withdrawal and Pull-Through Strength of Structural-Use Panels

An extensive test program was conducted to develop nail withdrawal design values for wood structural panels. Tested variables included: nail type (plain shank vs. deformed shank), panel type (plywood vs. OSB) and thickness, and exposure condition. Testing followed the procedures described in ASTM D1761. Based on the test results, the recommended allowable nail withdrawal strength for plywood and OSB panels, expressed as an equivalent specific gravity, is 0.40 for plain or screw shank nails and 0.70 for ring shank nails. A wet-use adjustment factor of 0.75 is recommended for applications subject to wet-service conditions. In a separate study, the nailhead pull-through strength of wood structural panels was evaluated. While nailhead pull-through strength might not be considered in most designs, the results presented here can be used as a reference in evaluating nailhead pull-through performance of wood structural panels.