Two transversely isotropic plasticity-based models for wood, derived from the standard compression properties and the embedment properties were investigated for suitability of application for bolted connections. It was found that the conventional connection models involving the compression properties were incapable of simulating the real behaviour of the connections because the compression properties provided too stiff foundation to represent embedding behaviour of wood under the bolt. However, wood foundation-based connection model that was newly developed using the bolt embedment properties showed good agreement with the actual behaviour of bolted connections.