Numerical and experimental failure analysis of screwed single shear joints in wood plastic composite

In this research, effects of end distances and thicknesses of side and main members on failure loads and also modes of failure of single shear plane joint, made on wood plastic composite (WPC) were studied, both experimentally and numerically as well. Yamada-Sun failure criterion was used to determine failure loads of this kind of joints fabricated on WPC and results were compared with that of experimental observations. Numerical analysis was made by making use of ABAQUS finite element (FE) software. Experiments were conducted according to ASTM D-1037. Predicted failure loads by numerical models were in good agreement with those observed experimentally. Results have indicated that failure load of tested joint is dependent on end distance and thickness of corresponding members as well. Failure modes were determined both by numerical models and tested joints. FE models were used to perform stress analysis.