Questions from designers periodically arise regarding application of provisions in the National Design Specifica- tion® (NDS®) for Wood Construction for multiple fastener connections. This article looks at specific provisions in the NDS that have been clarified in the 2001 NDS to address de- sign of multiple fastener joints. A new NDS appendix, Ap- pendix E: Local Stresses in Fastener Groups, provides one de- sign approach.