Stress distribution in mechanically jointed timber I-beam

Abstract

The objective of the research was to study stress distribution in mechanically jointed I-beam section. The behavior of jointed beam with mechanical connectors was determined experimentally and theoretically. Theoretical calculations were made by 3D finite element modeling. This model considered the elasto-plastic behaviour of connectors and the orthotropic elasto-plastic behaviour of timber. Timber plasticity was considered for compression in parallel and perpendicular to grain directions. The experimental calculations included experimental tests of the jointed I-beam bending capacity and handling data received during the research. The numerical results showed a good agreement with the experimental results. The comparison of the experimental and the numerical results showed the good capability of the analytical model to be used as a design approach for the mechanically jointed I-beam. During the study the data from the science publications, university guides, data of the websites and experiment data were used.