Behavior of the Glulam Timber beams with Slotted-in Steel Plates Dowel-type Connections

Abstract:

The dowel-type connection with slotted-in multiple 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 the components with this type of connections well, two glulam timber beams connected with three slotted-in steel plates dowel connections were tested, one beam with connection on the pure bending zone and the other beam with connection on bending and shearing zone. The mechanical properties, failure modes and the effect of the connection location on the mechanical properties of the beams were studied. And the estimating formulas of ultimate load-carrying capacity and mid-span deflection were presented based on the test results. The tests show that the load-carrying capacity of the glulam beam with connection on the bending and shearing zone is greater than that of the beam with connection on the pure bending zone. The estimating results agree well with the test results.