Stress distribution in wood and modified members with dowel joint: finite element model and experimental research

Using finite element analysis to predict material properties could be a cost-effective technique in studying new materials under varied load conditions. In this paper, influences of furfurylation of wood on stress distribution of dowel L-type joint were evaluated by finite element model. A comparison of numerical results with loading capacity of the experimental specimens confirms the high accuracy of the model making it very suitable for developing the experiments. This finite element model was verified by using experimental test of L-type butted joint, and investigated by mechanical properties and linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) of members joint. It is shown that the model developed in this study can replicate adequately the load-deflection response, and the development of stress and elasticity of combined loading. The findings indicated how the mechanical properties and fracture mechanics of solid wood as control and modified members can affect the combined stress bearing capacity and stress distribution of L-type joint.