Transverse tension

For the design of a component subjected to tensile stress transverse to the fibre, it must be ensured that the design value of the tensile strength is not exceeded. The net cross-sectional area is decisive for the verification, this is the smallest usable cross-sectional area of the component taking into account all cross-sectional weakenings that occur. The strengths of wood as a material are extremely low when stress is applied transversely to the grain. Planned transverse tensile stresses in wooden components should therefore be avoided.

In certain connection situations, however, tensile stresses can occur transverse to the grain. In the case of transverse connections, such as those often made with beam shoes or rafter purlin anchors, the resulting tensile stresses must be verified. In the case of approved steel sheet shaped parts (beam shoes, beam girders, etc.), a mathematical verification can usually be dispensed with if the uppermost (transverse tension-generating) connection means is arranged in the upper third – in relation to the beam height.

In curved components, such as saddle roof beams made of glulam, a bending load results in a transverse tensile load on the component. This can be verified using the methods described in DIN 1052.