Experimental characterisation of the moment-rotation behaviour of beam-beam connections using compressed wood fasteners

The widespread use of energy-intensive metallic connectors and synthetic adhesives in modern timber construction has negative implications for the end-of-life disposal or re-use of the structural timber components. Therefore, it is favourable to substitute metallic connectors and synthetic adhesives with bio-based alternatives such as wood-based connectors. Recent studies have shown that densified or compressed wood (CW) with superior mechanical properties could be suitable for the manufacture of wood-based connectors in the form of CW dowels and CW plates. This study experimentally examines the moment-rotation behaviour of semi-rigid type timber-CW beam-beam connections under pure bending. The study also assesses the suitability of current design rules to predict the moment capacity of timber-CW connections. The comparative study has shown that the moment capacity of the timber-CW connection can be conservatively predicted from the characteristic load-carrying capacity of the connections calculated using the EC 5 strength equations.The study was conducted within the framework of the project “Towards Adhesive Free Timber Buildings - AFTB” at the College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland. The AFTB project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) via Interreg North-West Europe grant 348. The contribution of the technical staff of the College of Science and Engineering, NUI Galway, in particular, Peter Fahy and Colm Walsh is gratefully acknowledged.peer-reviewe