ISSN: 0090-3973
Page Count: 8

Experimental Analysis of Bolted Joints in Wood
Patton-Mallory, M
Assistant director, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, USDA Forest Service,

Pellicane, PJ
Professor of wood engineering, Colorado State University, CO

Smith, FW
Professor of mechanical engineering, Colorado State University, CO

Abstract

Two hundred forty-three experiments were conducted on bolted wood connections having a variety of aspect ratios (length of bolt in member/bolt diameter) and end distances with loading applied in tension and compression. Load-displacement (P-Δ) curves were generated for each test from which pertinent characteristic values were derived. Important connection characteristics observed included ultimate load and displacement, 5% offset load, proportional limit, and failure mode.

Results show the effects of connection geometry and load application on the strength and stiffness of single bolt connections. Among the most important of these are that tension and compression loadings produce different P-Δ behavior and failure modes. These differences are amplified or muted depending upon connection aspect ratio. Furthermore, connection aspect ratio and end distance interact to influence P-Δ behavior and failure mode.

Keywords:
wood, bolted joints, experimental analysis, tension loading, compression loading

Paper ID: JTE11969J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11969J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.