Experimental investigation of the embedment strength of laminated veneer lumber (lvl)

Abstract

Connections in timber structures play a vital role in the stiffness, strength and overall performance of the structure. Embedment properties are of paramount to the overall performance of bolted connections. This study experimentally investigates the performance of embedment strength of LVL manufactured from Nordic Spruce (Picea Abies), utilising 10mm steel dowels. A total of 50 embedment tests were conducted following the half-hole method, as specified in ASTM:D5764−97a. The tests had been performed considering 0°, 45°, and 90° load-to-grain angles, on edgewise orientation of the embedment properties and failure modes were analysed. The experimental embedment strengths were then compared to the respective characteristic embedment strengths proposed in Eurocode 5. While the characteristic embedment strength was 11% lower than the mean embedment strength for load parallel to grain, it overestimated the embedment strength by 9.2% and 7.2% for load-to-grain angles of 45°, and 90°, respectively.