Experimental and numerical analyses of wood boards joining using wood-pin connectors

Abstract

This paper addresses the joining of two wood boards considering bonding and wood pins connections. Experimental tests involving these two assemblies were performed. Four different inclinations were con- sidered for the four pins in order to assess the influence of this parameter on stiffness and strength of the joint, which were compared with the bonded solution. A three-dimensional finite element analysis including cohesive zone modelling was also performed. The experimental results of the tested cases were used for the sake of the numerical model validation considering the load-displacement curves in addition to damage profile and failure mode in wood members. Afterwards, the model was used to analyze differ- ent arrangements varying the number of dowels and distance between them, targeting the enhancement of load capacity and stiffness.