This paper deals with assessment of glulam twinned columns to beam circular bolted connection. This kind of connection is used for embedded assembly. Because of the moisture content variations, cracks often occur in the direction parallel to the grain. The aim of the study is to understand the mechanism responsible of the cracks happening. In the same time, another aim of this study is to evaluate the residual resistance of a damaged assembly. The assembly has been designed according to Eurocode 5. Two different initial conditions have been tested. For the first assembly, the columns and the beam have been dried before machining and tested dry. For the second assembly, the beam was wet and the columns were dry before machining, then the assembly was tested dry. The difference of moisture content implies a huge tensile strain in the direction perpendicular to the grain of the columns before loading. In order to qualify the assembly behavior, strain gauges techniques have been used. This analysis allows a better understanding of the phenomenon of cracks initiation and propagation due to the coupled effect of shrinkage/swelling and loading.
