Behavior of Epoxy Repaired Full-Scale Timber Trusses

An experimental study has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of the epoxy repair method for full-scale timber trusses. A series of Pratt trusses (constructed of primarily new lumber) and a series of Fink trusses (taken from Old Air Force buildings being demolished) were tested. The testing procedure consisted of an initial load test to failure, followed by a second load test to failure after epoxy repairs. For the new timber trusses, the epoxy repair restored the trusses to approximately their original condition. The repair was marginally successful for the old trusses that were badly rotted. It is thus recommended that if repairs are made to rotted trusses, all joints should be repaired, even when not visibly damaged, since rot can be serious on the interior around split rings. The epoxy repair method was found to be effective for most common truss failures: broken members, end splits, at bolt and split ring connectors, and longitudinal splits in members.