ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the load-bearing capacity of pine timber connections using different connectors and two timber strength classes. The connections consisted of pine lamellae (C14 and C22) joined with 20 mm wooden dowels (DLT), 5.3 mm wooden nails (WNLT) and 3.2 mm steel nails (NLT). Shear tests perpendicular to the grain were conducted to determine the shear capacity and slip modulus. The shear properties were influenced by the connector type and timber quality. Timber quality significantly enhanced the stiffness and shear capacity of NLT connections, while in DLT connections, it affected only the stiffness. No significant differences were observed in WNLT connections, probably due to a uniform load distribution. Analytical models based on shear test results were developed to predict the load-bearing capacity under bending. Their validation against experimental tests showed good agreement, demonstrating the potential to optimize the design of timber structures.
