Structural Characterization of Built-Up Timber Columns

Abstract

The use of novel built-up columns as structural members is investigated. The columns are fabricated from dimensional timber and connected with mechanically applied adhesive, using a proprietary system. An extensive test program was carried out on full-scale built-up timber columns. Axial, flexural, and squash load tests, intended to characterize the service and ultimate behaviors of the columns, are reported. The results of the test program are compared with standard calculations of allowable design capacities for non-built-up timber columns. It is concluded that the built-up columns tested may be safely designed using the same methods as are used for solid timber columns that use the material properties of the constituent timbers. This results in a significant advantage in load-carrying capacity of the built-up sections over solid sections for columns having dimensions greater than 127 × 127 mm (5 × 5 in.).