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 design model to calculate the capacity of doweled connections loaded perpendicular to the grain. However, there is no clarity on the relevance of these models to South African softwood, let alone South African hardwood. This paper presents the experimental results of tests conducted on sawn timber beams with doweled connections subjected to perpendicular-to-grain loading. Five parameters are varied with regard to the connection: the edge distance, dowel diameter and spacing, connection width, and height while varying the timber species. The study aims to evaluate models that calculate the capacity of various configurations of doweled connections and their appropriateness for South African timber. Results suggest that models proposed in the literature and in standards do not accurately estimate the splitting tensile capacity. Although Eucalyptus generally showed greater capacity than Pine, the results of the former show greater coefficient of variation.

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