Tensile behaviour of glue-laminated timber : a comparative analysis between solid and finger-jointed specimens

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the structural performance of finger-jointed glue-laminated timber elements, focusing on their behaviour under tensile, creep and cyclic loading scenarios, while also providing comparative analysis of the results with their solid counterparts. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of finger-joints on the ultimate tensile strength and long-term behaviour of glue-laminated timber, as used in structural applications. To accomplish this, dogbone specimens were prepared from a local, commercially purchased glue-laminated beam, in order to have a consistency in the material properties like grade and moisture content. The results demonstrated that the finger-jointed timber specimens, generally exhibited reduced tensile strength when compared to the solid counterparts. Having said this, the finger-jointed specimens showcased satisfactory results under uniaxialtensile conditions, making them suitable for structural applications. Overall, the results of this study show that as long as the structural constraints are appropriately accounted for, the use of finger-jointing technique in timber is still a feasible methodology for sustainable and economical structural applications, since it enables efficient use of material and minimises wastage.