On the semi-rigidity of dovetail joint for the joinery of LVL panels

This paper focuses on multiple tab-and-slot joints (MTSJ) for load-carrying assembly of structural wood elements, which are inspired by traditional cabinetmaking joints and adapted for automatic fabrication and engineered wood panels such as laminated veneer lumber. First a numerical method is presented for the estimation of the connections' semi-rigid properties based on box beam samples. In a simplified model, the mechanical behavior of the joint is represented by potential elastic slips at interfaces. They are handled by the model with the help of rigidity modulus, which is determined by matching simulated and experimental deflections. Finally, the influence of tab length and contact face angle on the semi-rigidity of the joint is discussed considering a dovetail geometry of the MTSJ. Glued and screwed samples serve as references in this study