Reversed-Cyclic Behavior of a Novel Heavy Timber Tube Connection
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 8
Abstract
The provision of ductile connections is a critical element that is often lacking in the design of a heavy timber structure to resist seismic loads. During the last decade, a novel connection was developed that combined reliable high strength and stiffness with excellent ductile properties, the so-called tube connection. The steel tubes fit into oversized holes that ease the assembly of the connection members. By expanding the diameter of the steel tube, a perfectly tight fit can be realized. To prevent timber splitting when the tube diameter is increased, densified veneer (ply)wood is glued on the timber members as reinforcement. This paper reports the results of an experimental study to determine the hysteresis behavior of the tube connection. Unprecedented energy dissipation capabilities were found in comparison with other timber connections. Applied in timber frame structures, its seismic performance will be enhanced considerably and a more competitive structural timber design is within reach.
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Acknowledgments
The writers thank Trus Joist MacMillan (Weyerhaeuser business and Lignostone International) for providing the PSL and DVW test material, respectively. Forintek Canada Corp. is thanked for providing the LSL material. Dr. Popovski of Forintek Canada Corp. is acknowledged for spontaneous cooperation in providing funds for and the realization of the test program. Delft University of Technology is also thanked for providing funding to the first writer for a stay at UBC. Also, a special word of thanks to A. Heiduschke, P. Haller, and A. Schreyer who shared their test results, to student Mark Forsythe for preparing the test frame, Douglas Smith—as well as all of his co-workers—of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, UBC, metal shop, for assisting in all stages of the tests, and last but not least the “éminence grise” Borg Madsen whose continuous support was and is still appreciated.
References
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© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: May 1, 2003
Accepted: May 3, 2005
Published online: Aug 1, 2006
Published in print: Aug 2006
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: J. Daniel Dolan
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