Numerical Study on the Nonlinear Behavior of Full-Scale Timber Framed Joints

Abstract

The force-resisting ability of joints in a timber framed structure has direct implications on the overall response of such systems to various actions, thereby governing the integrity and safety of these constructions. Experimental investigations conducted previously in this regard have been directed mainly at a particular joint type with no focus on exploring the structural performance of various connection profiles common in timber construction. Moreover, regarding the development of reliable design guidelines, fewer studies have been reported from a numerical perspective with an effort to refine the joint detailing by optimization. Therefore, in this research, following the results of tensile testing on various T-shaped nailed-only and adhesive-cum-nailed joint configurations, the observed experimental behavior was numerically simulated in ABAQUS. Finite-element (FE) models post validation were employed to carry out parametric studies on developing numerical data over a wider range by extrapolation. Different values of tenon length, tenon width, and tenon thickness were used to analyze the effects on stress distributions and various performance parameters of mortise-tenon joints. Similarly, the influence of varying tongue slopes and tongue thicknesses on the performance of dovetail-halved joints was also investigated. Additionally, FE analysis outcomes were employed to check the accuracy of the strength prediction equations in recognized national standards, which revealed unconservative design strength estimation in mortise-tenon joints, whereas overly conservative results were obtained in the case of dovetail-halved joints. Therefore, suitable correction factors were proposed for improved, less scattered, and more reliable predictions using national design guidelines.