Shear plates are round, malleable iron discs that are embedded in timber to increase the load capacity of wood-to-wood or wood-to-steel connections.
The primary marine application of shear plates is in the construction of wooden fendering systems, which are a type of floating dock used by marinas.
More information about shear plates can be found at www.shearplates.com, including available sizes, technical specifications, and a detailed installation video with instructions.