Procedure for Determining the Thickness of Door Jambs

Current standards and specifications offer no procedure for structural analysis of jambs. A procedure was developed that predicts the necessary jamb thickness and maximum door deflection. In addition to the description of the model and procedures used in an analysis, the paper contains design graphs that allow a determination of the jamb thickness for the most common door sizes and weights, wood species used in jambs, and hinge and screw sizes. The withdrawal strengths of screws and not the overall stiffness of the door assembly governs the necessary jamb thickness. The SG of wood used in the jamb and door is the most important factor affecting jamb thickness. An application of the theoretical procedure suggested that jambs thinner than the currently accepted minimum value of 11/16 inch can be structurally safe if proper wood species are used. The method developed is based on a rational but assumed critical loading condition. It is suggested that in the future, standards or specifications should be adopted that define loading conditions.

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