Abstract:The dowel-type connection with slotted-in steel plates widely used in modern timber constructions is one of the most efficient connections for heavy timber structures. To understand the mechanical properties of this type of connection well, 11 specimens with different number and spacing of steel plates and different dowel diameters were tested. The mechanical properties and failure modes of the connections were investigated. And influence of the parameters such as the number of steel plates, the spacing of steel plates and the dowel diameter were also studied based on the test results. The results show that the bearing capacity of connections with the same dowel diameter increased as the number and spacing of steel plates increased. The estimating formulas for the load-carrying capacity of connections were developed based on the European yield theory and the principle of superposition. The theoretical results show good agreement with the test results