170 CHAPTER SIX

The loads apply where the nail or spike penetrates into the member, receiving its
point at least 10 diameters for Group I species, 11 diameters for Group II
species, 13 diameters for Group III species, and 14 diameters for Group IV
species. Allowable loads for lesser penetrations are directly proportional to the
penetration, but the penetration must be at least one-third that specified.

Wood Screws

The allowable withdrawal load per inch (mm) of penetration of the threaded
portion of a wood screw into side grain of seasoned wood that remains dry is

p  2,850G2D (6.37)

where p  allowable load per inch (mm) of penetration of threaded portion into
member receiving point, lb (N)
D  diameter of wood screw, in (mm)
G  specific gravity of wood, oven dry (see Table 6.1)
Wood screws should not be loaded in withdrawal from end grain.
The total allowable lateral load for wood screws driven into the side grain of
seasoned wood which remains dry is
p  CD2 (6.38)
where p  allowable load per wood screw, lb (N)
D  diameter of wood screw, in (mm)
C  coefficient dependent on group number of wood (Table 6.2)
Values of C for the four groups into which stress-grade lumber is classified are

Group I: C  4,800
Group II: C  3,960
Group III: C  3,240
Group IV: C  2,520

TABLE 6.2 Specific Gravity and Group Number for Common

Species of Lumber

Group Specific
Species number gravity, G G2 G5/2

Douglas fir II 0.51 0.260 0.186

Pine, southern II 0.59 0.348 0.267
Hemlock, western III 0.44 0.194 0.128
Hemlock, eastern IV 0.43 0.185 0.121
Pine, Norway III 0.47 0.221 0.151
Redwood III 0.42 0.176 0.114
Spruce IV 0.41 0.168 0.108