Strength of Epoxy Bonded Steel Connections in Glue Laminated Timber

• Main Author: Deng, James X.
• Language: en
• Published: University of Canterbury. Civil Engineering 2013
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/8262

In New Zealand, there has been little use of epoxy bonded steel connections in the timber construction industry due to the lack of knowledge and experiences about the performance. A research was carried out both experimentally and theoretically to study the epoxy bonded steel connections in glue laminated timber. This research provides a better understanding of the mechanical and physical properties of such connections in tension, subjected to short and long duration load, with variables of embedment length, bar diameter, edge distance, hole diameter, moisture content, steel bar type and epoxy type. In the study, five different failure modes were identified. A theoretical three dimensional model was established using a finite element method. The characteristics of the connection, the three dimensional stress distributions and the effect of the variables in the connections were studied using this model. The study shows that there is a strong correlation between the failure modes and the stress concentrations. It is possible to optimise the design of the connections by developing a better geometry. The study also shows that the connections can be used safely in timber structures provided the moisture content of wood does not exceeding 22%. Empirical equations were developed to predict the axial capacity of the connection in tension or compression.