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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003- 3825-1334

AccessType

Open Access Dissertation

Document Type

dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Program

Environmental Conservation

Year Degree Awarded

2020

Month Degree Awarded

February

First Advisor

Peggi L Clouston

Subject Categories

Computational Engineering | Construction Engineering and Management | Engineering Mechanics | Engineering Science and Materials | Mechanics of Materials | Structural Engineering

Abstract

Laminated veneer bamboo (LVB) is a sustainable building material that has been gaining interest in the construction industry of late. As a relatively new product, little is known about its connection performance, specifically, its failure behavior in dowel type joints and possible similarities it may have to engineered wood products in terms of failure mechanisms. Research is needed to aid in the understanding of LVB dowel connection failure behavior and to quantify the failure mechanism and key factors associated with LVB dowel connection strength. Modeling, as conducted in this research, is a valuable tool to help devise safe standards and formulations for future LVB product adoption, design, and implementation. In this dissertation, a finite element model was described to investigate dowel bearing failure when loaded parallel-to-grain. The model was calibrated and validated through comparison with experimental results. Frictional contact was incorporated in the model and the coefficient of friction was proved to be a key factor in finding the maximum shear stress location. According to both the FE model and experimental results, the high shear stress-to-strength ratio is the major cause of failure when the dowel is loaded parallel-to-grain. Moreover, tensile stress perpendicular-to-grain is observed to be an influential secondary cause of failure. Once the FE model was established and the primary study was done, a quantitative comparison was carried out between the two test methods offered by ASTM5764 standard (full-hole and half hole specimen) for timber products to see if the same condition holds for LVB and other similar wood engineering products. Followed by a study conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Hankinson formula for LVB dowel joints which subsequently resulted in devising the formulation, so it can calculate bearing strength at different angles to the grain for LVB material. This research study will contribute to safer design and implementation of LVB bolted connections and development of standard test method for wood-composite materials including LVB.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/w9bv-ne86

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