Numerical analysis and design of double-shear dowel-type connections of wood

Three-dimensional simulation of double-shear dowel-type connections of wood is carried out to determine the ultimate load and to analyse the failure of the construction. A suitable finite-element modelling requires adapted element and material formulations, contact of the components and an adequate path-following during the simulation process. Particularly with regard to constitutive modelling of wood, the consideration of ductile and brittle failure is of great importance. Element approaches and material formulations are introduced, which represent failure mechanisms, like plasticising and cracking, realistically. The FE-model of a dowel-type connection is used for a comprehensive parameter study. The numerically determined ultimate load is discussed in relation to the concept used in DIN 1052 and DIN EN 1995-1-1. Advantages of the numerical analysis are the prediction of the ultimate load and the understanding of failure mechanisms.