End‐Grain Dowel Connections for Laminated Timber

Abstract

A study of a hanger‐type, end‐grain, timber‐beam connection, in which a steel plate was fastened to a laminated timber beam with steel dowels, shows that the connection can be used successfully in timber construction. Beam on elastic foundation theory accurately predicts the lateral load‐deformation response of single‐ and multidowel connections up to loads corresponding to 1.11 to 1.34 kN/dowel, if full fixity of the dowel head in the connector plate is ensured. To evaluate the effect of withdrawal forces on the shear strength of the connection, shear/withdrawal interaction curves were developed for the dowel. The load‐deformation response, strength, and mode of failure for the connection under combined lateral and withdrawal loads were determined for Douglas fir, Southern pine, cedar, and white pine. The performance of Southern pine connections subjected to intermittent short‐term and constant long‐term loads is shown. Recommendations for design loads are presented.