Simulation of load-duration effects in wood

Summary The load-duration behavior of wood floor joists was examined using the Monte Carlo method. The simulations were performed using a cumulative damage model and a stochastic floor live load model. Floor joists designed to the existing American wood design code exhibited a decreasing failure rate. Although weak members tended to be the ones to fail, a majority of the weak members in a population were still surviving after 50 years. The total number of joists to fail in 50 years is very dependent on the distributional assumption made for short term strength.