Evaluating models for doweled connection capacity in South African timber

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Abstract

A recent draft version of Eurocode 5 (prEN1995-1-1:2023), proposes a revised model to calculate the capacity of doweled connections loaded perpendicular to the grain. There is no clarity on the relevance of these models to South African softwood, let alone South African hardwood. Existing models that account for more than one type of connection are scarce (Leijten 2018), whilst most fail to account for the variability in other connection parameters such as joint geometry, dowel diameter and edge distances. This paper presents the experimental results of tests conducted on sawn timber boards with doweled connections subjected to perpendicular-to-grain loading. Five parameters are varied: the edge distance, dowel diameter and spacing, connection width, and height. Common material grades and section sizes for South African hardwood and softwood species were considered. The study aims to evaluate existing and proposed models that estimate the capacity of various configurations of doweled connections loaded perpendicular to the grain and their appropriateness for South African timber. A statistical analysis is conducted to evaluate the impact of these parameters and the performance of these models against the experimental data resulting from this study. Results suggest that models proposed in the literature and in standards do not accurately estimate the splitting tensile capacity of South African soft and hardwood that might be considered for structural use. Although Eucalyptus generally showed greater capacity than Pine, results show a greater coefficient of variation.

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