Experimental investigation of slotted-in plate moment connections in timber frame buildings

Abstract

In the past decades, the number of research work explaining the load transfer mechanism of moment connections has increased due to their advantages of energy dissipation capacity and improved load distribution. The use of bolts in slotted-in plate moment connections is a common practice in timber construction. However, the design and application guidelines are still limited and leading to results which deviate from experimental observations. In this paper, bolted slotted-in plate moment connections with multiple configurations are experimentally investigated. The results are used to verify the FprEN 1995-1-1 equations and to investigate the service conditions. First, shear tests on a single bolt-inserted in a glulam member-are conducted followed by single moment connection and then by a double moment connection. The experimental observation showed that the connections are controlled by the fastener behaviour, therefore an accurate analytical prediction is necessary. The results are compared with the rigid model, which is an extension of the European Yield Model. The deviations has shown the need for an improved analytical model.