Influence of the geometric and material characteristics on the strength of glued joints made in chestnut timber

This paper summarizes the experimental campaign carried out on joints made with threaded steel rods glued with epoxy in sawn hardwood timber. This study deals with a very little-known field of the glued joints in timber, because previous studies focus on the analysis of joints made with glued laminated timber (glulam) obtained principally from softwood. A total of 180 specimens were tested with the aim of evaluating the incidence of several geometric and material parameters in the axial strength of the joints. The experimental results were compared with the existent design criteria. The research results question the application of the existent design proposals on joints made with hardwood, and they stress the need to delve deeply into the experimental study of glued joints made with sawn timber of high density.