Connections loaded perpendicular to grain – Analysis of the failure behavior and design approach

In general, timber constructions include joints and connections with mechanical fasteners. The connections can be loaded under tension or compression as well as under different angle to the grain orientation of wood. Depending on the connection size and layout as well as the loading situation, the connection describes brittle or ductile failure behavior. The ductile failure, which leads to plastic deformations, depends on the embedment strength of the wood and the bending capacity of the dowel. For the prediction of the ductile failure the well accepted European Yield Model is used in international standards.