Empirical Models Depicting Grain Angle Effects on Load-Embedment Response of Dowel-Type Fasteners in Wood

Predicting the moment-rotation response of a multifastener timber joint requires the use of empirical models that describe adequately the influence of load-to-grain angle on embedment response of wood under a dowel fastener. This paper presents two models. The first model describes the relationship between load, embedment, and load-to-grain angle, and can be used for predicting moment-rotation response of a multifastener joint. The second model relates the ultimate embedment at failure to load-to-grain angle. This second model is intended for predicting failure of timber joints. Comparison with test data confirms the suitability of these models to describe the influence of load-to-grain angle on embedment response of wood.