The Equivalent Viscous Damping (EVD) parameter is used to simplify the dynamic problem, passing from a non-linear solution of the system to a simple linear-elastic one. In the case of Direct Displacement-Based seismic Design (DDBD) methods, the EVD value allows direct design of structures, without an iterative computational process. This paper proposes a rational analytical formula to evaluate the EVD value of timber structures with dowel-type metal fastener connections. The EVD model is developed at the ultimate limit state, as a solution of the equilibrium problem related to an inelastic configuration. For a specific joint configuration, the EVD predicted via an analytical model was compared to experimental results. The proposed EVD model was validated using non-linear dynamic analysis on a portal frame, built with dowel-type fasteners arranged in two concentric crowns.
This study investigated the vibration serviceability of timber structures with dowel-type connections. It addressed the use of such connections in cutting-edge timber structures such as multi-storey buildings and long-span bridges, in which the light weight and flexibility of the structure make it possible that vibration induced by dynamic forces such as wind or footfall may cause discomfort to occupants or users of the structure, or otherwise impair its intended use. The nature of the oscillating force imposed on connections by this form of vibration was defined based on literature review and the use of established mathematical models. This allowed the appropriate cyclic load to be applied in experimental work on the most basic component of a dowel-type connection: a steel dowel embedding into a block of timber. A model for the stiffness of the timber in embedment under this cyclic load was developed based on an elastic stress function, which could then be used as the basis of a model for a complete connector. Nonlinear and time-dependent behaviour was also observed in embedment, and a simple rheological model incorporating elastic, viscoelastic and plastic elements was fitted to the measured response to cyclic load. Observations of the embedment response of the timber were then used to explain features of the behaviour of complete single- and multiple-dowel connections under cyclic load representative of in-service vibration. Complete portal frames and cantilever beams were tested under cyclic load, and a design method was derived for predicting the stiffness of such structures, using analytical equations based on the model for embedment behaviour. In each cyclic load test the energy dissipation in the specimen, which contributes to the damping in a complete structure, was measured. The analytical model was used to predict frictional energy dissipation in embedment, which was shown to make a significant contribution to damping in single-dowel connections. Based on the experimental results and analysis, several defining aspects of the dynamic response of the complete structures, such as a reduction of natural frequency with increased amplitude of applied load, were related to the observed and modelled embedment behaviour of the connections.
In existing wood strength prediction models for parallel to grain failure in timber connections using dowel-type fasteners, different methods consider the minimum, maximum, or summation of the tensile and shear capacities of the failed wood block planes. It is postulated that these methods are not appropriate since the stiffness of the adjacent wood loading the tensile and shear planes differs, and this leads to uneven load distribution among the resisting planes. A closed-form analytical method to determine the load-carrying capacity of wood under parallel-to-grain loading in small-dowel-type connections in timber products is thus proposed. For the wood strength, the stiffness of the adjacent loading volumes and strength of the failure planes subjected to nonuniform shear and tension stresses are considered. The effective wood thickness for the brittle failure mode is derived and related to the elastic deformation of the fastener. A mixed failure mode is also defined (a mixture of brittle and ductile) and depends on the governing ductile failure mode of the fastener. To help the designer, an algorithm is presented that allows the designer to calculate the resistances associated with predictions of the different possible brittle, ductile, and mixed failure modes. The proposed stiffness-based model has already been verified in brittle and mixed failure modes of timber rivet connections. In the research reported in this paper, an extended application is proposed for other small-dowel-type fasteners such as nails and screws. Results of nailed joint tests on laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and the test data available from the literature on glulam confirm the validity of this new method, and show that it can be used as a design provision for wood load-carrying capacity prediction of small-dowel-type timber connections.
This paper presents an experimental and analytical investigation on the application of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made of European beech wood (fagus sylvatica L.) in timber truss structures. Particular focus is laid on developing improved design approaches for dowel-type connections and on promoting ductile failure behaviour, as the connections in timber trusses are generally governing the performance of the whole structure. Embedment tests were carried out in order to assess the embedment strength values for beech LVL, which are necessary to design dowel-type connections. The results showed higher values for beech LVL, as compared to estimations using existing formulas from design codes. A series of tensile connection tests showed that, using cross-layered beech LVL, ductile dowel-type connections with high load-carrying capacities can be designed, given that premature brittle failures are prevented. Lastly, tests on full truss structures confirmed that the favourable behaviour of dowel-type connections in cross-layered beech LVL can be implemented in truss systems, improving the global behaviour of the whole structural element.
A reduction coefficient is applied in usual design of multiple dowels type connections. The numbers of stiffeners in row is one of important factor to decide this coefficient. CLT drift pinned joint showed small orthotropy against in plane tensile load. Tensile tests of multiple drift pins joints were performed to evaluate the effect of array. Numbers of drift pins n in each specimen were same (n=12), but the arrangements were different (2 x 6, 3 x 4, 4 x 3, 6 x 2). Also the grain directions were parameters (0, 90 degrees). The reduction of initial stiffness and proportional limit load showed good agreement between theoretical prediction and experimental results.
Investigations showed that large timber members exposed to fire have excellent fire-resistance. But very little research has been done on the performance of connections in timber structures exposed to fire. The dowel-type connections with slotted-in steel plates have widely been used in timber structures, sometime as moment resisting...
Australian Earthquake Engineering Society Conference
Research Status
Complete
Summary
In the last decade, several tall timber buildings have been constructed in Europe, North America and Australasia. Often engineered wood products such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) are used in combination with strong connections to construct timber buildings exceeding 10 storeys. For tall timber buildings located in seismic areas it can be challenging to design strong yet ductile hold-downs in CLT shear walls. One common solution is to use dowelled connections with inserted steel plates. Design code calculation rules for timber connections are usually derived from smallscale testing assuming that strength and ductility properties can be extrapolated for larger connections in actual buildings. For CLT connections, fastener spacing requirements are derived in a similar manner under the general assumption that brittle failure modes can be prevented due to the reinforcing effect of cross-layers in CLT. In order to assess the validity of these assumptions, experiments were conducted on different layouts of small-scale and large-scale dowelled connections in CLT, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) as well as a LVL-CLT hybrid, all made out of New Zealand Radiata pine. The tests comprised of 40 small and 12 large samples subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. Strength and ductility were compared between the different connection sizes and layouts. For the large-scale connections, particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) was used for the first time to measure displacements.
As global interest in using engineered wood products in tall buildings intensifies due to the “green” credential of wood, it is expected that more tall wood buildings will be designed and constructed in the coming years. This, however, brings new challenges to the designers. One of the major challenges is how to design lateral load-resisting systems (LLRSs) with sufficient stiffness, strength, and ductility to resist strong wind and earthquakes. In this study, an LLRS using mass timber panel on a stiff podium was developed for high-rise buildings in accordance with capacity-based design principle. The LLRS comprises eight shear walls with a core in the center of the building, which was constructed with structural composite lumber and connected with dowel-type connections and wood–steel composite system. The main energy dissipating mechanism of the LLRS was detailed to be located at the panel-to-panel interface. This LLRS was implemented in the design of a hypothetical 20-storey building. A finite element (FE) model of the building was developed using general-purpose FE software, ABAQUS. The wind-induced and seismic response of the building model was investigated by performing linear static and non-linear dynamic analyses. The analysis results showed that the proposed LLRS using mass timber was suitable for high-rise buildings. This study provided a valuable insight into the structural performance of LLRS constructed with mass timber panels as a viable option to steel and concrete for high-rise buildings.
Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) is gaining popularity in Australasia as a building material for multi-storey structures. For multi-storey timber buildings located in seismic areas, designing strong but ductile hold-downs for CLT shear walls can be challenging and requires careful structural connection design. In this study, dowelled connections in New Zealand Douglas-Fir (D.Fir) CLT with inserted steel plates were experimentally investigated as a solution for hold-downs in multi-storey timber buildings. The dowel group spacing was varied for CLT3 (3-ply, 135 mm thick), CLT5 (5-ply, 175 mm thick) and CLT7 (7-ply, 275 mm thick) D.Fir CLT to investigate the spacing impact on ductility of the hold-down connections under both monotonic and quasi-static cyclic loading. These results were also compared with past similar testing of dowelled connections in 5-ply (150 mm) Radiata Pine CLT. A total of 12 monotonic and 36 quasi-static cyclic tests were carried out and it was observed that increased dowel spacing increases ductility with similar strength when compared to past more dense dowel spacing tests. Furthermore, to deter the onset of tension perpendicular to grain brittle failure, fully threaded screws and nuts were added to the dowelled connection and the impact of this is discussed.
International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering and Materials
Research Status
Complete
Series
MATEC Web of Conferences
Summary
Embedment strength is a significant property in the dowel type connection in timber structure, i.e. cross-laminated timber (CLT). The CLT design properties are different from those of sawn timber (ST) and glued-laminated timber (GLT) because of the orthogonal structure, which may particularly have influence on the design of connections. The layup feature, i.e. the thickness ratio of transverse layer (TRTL) was considered as an effective factor on CLT embedment strength in this study, except for other factors, i.e. wood density, smooth dowel diameter, and loading angle. Approximate 660 embedment tests were performed according to ASTM D5764 half-hole test method. A few of existing design models for CLT embedment strength were evaluated using experimental data. It was found that different factors had different effect tendency and each factor had statistically significant impact on CLT embedment strength. The embedment strength and failure modes of CLT were obviously different from those of GLT due to the existence of transverse layer in CLT. The existing design equations should be improved. Based on the test results, a new design equation was proposed which had better prediction.
