Embedment test of wood for dowel-type fasteners

Abstract

The mechanical performances of timber joints are particularly important for timber engineers involved in the design of timber structures. Embedding properties are thought to be of great importance for any dowel-type timber joints since they affect the load-bearing capacity, stiffness and failure mode of the joint. This paper specifies a comprehensive experimental program, whose aim is to determine the embedding properties of the species with lager implantation in Serbia. The embedding strength and foundation moduli are determined in longitudinal direction according to EN 383 standard. The experimental embedding strength results are compared with those empirical relations proposed in design codes of practice (Eurocode 5). In addition, compressive strength parallel to the grain is evaluated from small specimens of clear wood so as to characterize the embedding strength of the wood species better.