Evaluation of the structural behaviour of beam-beam connection systems using compressed wood dowels and plates

Sameer Mehra, Conan O'Ceallaigh, Fatemeh Hamid-Lakzaeian, Zhongwei Guan, Annette M. Harte

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

To support the transition to a bio-based society, it is preferable to substitute metallic fasteners and adhesives in timber construction with an eco-friendly alternative. Recent studies have identified compressed wood dowels and plates as a possible substitute for metallic fasteners in contemporary and mainstream applications. In this study, a spliced beam-beam connection system using compressed wood dowels and slotted-in compressed wood plates was examined under four-point bending. The study has considered specimens with compressed wood dowels of 10 mm diameter and compressed wood plates of 10 mm thickness. The load carrying capacity of connections using compressed wood dowels and plates were compared to connections utilising steel dowels and plates of equivalent capacity. Typical failure modes, moment resistance and rotational stiffness of both connection systems are evaluated on the basis of the experimental results. Tests have demonstrated similar failure modes when comparing steel-timber and compressed wood-timber connection systems. The mean failure load for the compressed wood-timber connection system is only 20.3% less than that achieved for the steel-timber connection system. The mean rotational stiffness of the compressed wood-timber connection system is 18.55% less than that achieved for the steel-timber connection system. These preliminary results demonstrate the potential for the use of compressed wood elements in the manufacture of timber connections.

Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event2018 World Conference on Timber Engineering, WCTE 2018 - Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 20 Aug 201823 Aug 2018

Conference

Conference2018 World Conference on Timber Engineering, WCTE 2018
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CitySeoul
Period20/08/1823/08/18

Keywords

  • Compressed wood dowels
  • Compressed wood plates
  • Connections
  • Four-point bending

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