Powerful connections

The use of high-strength veneer-based products in the load-bearing area requires the development of joints that are more efficient than those currently in use. In addition to a high degree of efficiency, sufficient ductility can be achieved, resulting in robust components.

The focus of the article is on the application of glued-in rods in use parallel to the fiber. In general, individual glued-in bars exhibit very brittle behavior. Thanks to special shaping of the steel bar and the controlled use of ductile steels, ductile connections with groups of bonded-in bars are now possible. This is demonstrated in typical applications such as tension connections, rigid beam joints and on trusses.

Adapted ductility requirements even allow plastic design of such connections. This paves the way for a more efficient design of complex structures.

Further information on the performance of connections in timber components can be found on our website: GSA Basics

The structural use of high-strength veneer-based products requires the development of more performant connections, than those actually used. Great development is going on with glued-in bars. Besides high efficiency, adequate ductility may be achieved, resulting in robust structural components.
The article focuses in the application of glued-in bars inserted parallel to the grain. Generally individual glued-in bars show a very brittle behavior. Through special shaping of the steel rod and controlled application of ductile steels, ductile connections with groups of glued-in rods are now realistic. This is shown in typical applications like tension joints, bending joints in beams and trusses.

By extending the ductility requirements, plastic design of such connections will now be possible. This opens the way for more performant design of complex structures.