How Interaction of Internal Forces and Moments Influence the Load-Bearing Capacity of Dowels

In connections with laterally loaded dowel-type fasteners, high density of the timber members leads to increased load-bearing capacities and influences the load-bearing behaviour. Material properties and system parameters like embedment strength and withdrawal capacity affect the connection performance and possible failure modes. In hardwood connections, failure mechanisms may include fastener failure due to higher stresses acting on fasteners during lateral loading. Multi-axial stress occurs as fasteners are subjected to bending moments, shear forces and normal forces, which vary with fastener type and geometry, potentially leading to shear or tensile failure of the fastener itself. The executed test programme aims at investigating fastener failure in connections with laterally loaded dowels. The interaction of bending moment and shear force occurring in the fastener has minor impact on the load-bearing capacity of connections. However, within inclined fastener sections, normal forces are present and lead to a reduced load-bearing capacity.