Design of Connections in Timber Structures

This state-of-the-art report has been prepared within COST Action FP1402 Basis of structural timber design ? from research to standards, Working Group 3 Connections.
The Action was established to create an expert network that is able to develop and establish the specific information needed for standardization committee decisions. Its main objective is to overcome the gap between broadly available scientific results and the specific information needed by standardization committees. This necessitates an expert network that links practice with research, i.e. technological developments with scientific background. Chapter 8 Connections presents an integral part of Eurocode 5 and is in need of revision. This state-of-the-art report shall provide code writers with background information necessary for the development of the so-called Second Generation of the Eurocodes, now aimed to be produced in 2022.
In Working Group 3 Connections there has been focus on the determination of the strength parameters needed to determine the load-carrying capacity of a single dowel-type fastener and on the load distribution among fasteners in a group as well as methods to avoid brittle failure modes in the timber around the fastener or group of fasteners. Also ease of use has been addressed. The design of carpentry joints is dealt with, too, as such connections now can take advantage of the precision of modern wood working.