Predicting the row shear failure mode and strength of bolted timber connections loaded parallel-to-grain

It is well understood within the engineering community that the lateral strength of multiple-bolt timber connections failing in a brittle manner are inadequately predicted by existing guidelines. The current design equations are based on single-bolt connections showing ductile behaviour, and further modified to account for situations of brittle failure. This study focuses specifically on the row-shear failure mode of bolted connections loaded in tension, parallel-to-grain.; An extensive experimental study has been recently undertaken where various forms of brittle failure have been observed. A numerical model based on the finite element method has been created to reflect the capacity of multiple-bolt connections failing in row-shear. The initial numerical model was developed by Tan and Smith, and further refined by Shin and Reid by implementing spring functions that represent the load-slip behaviour of a single bolt within a connection.; Reid's finite element model was improved upon by creating an average load-slip function for glulam specimen thicknesses of 80 mm and 130 mm based on single-bolt tests with different end distances. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...