Dowel-type fastener connections in timber structures subjected to short-term loading

This report presents an integrated model for design of framed timber structures with dowel-type fastener connections.
Design of dowel-type fastener connections in framed timber
structures usually involves a two-step analysis: determination of the
distribution of the sectional forces, an design of the eccentrically
loaded connections. This report presents an integrated model for design of framed timber structures with dowel-type fastener connections.

A finite element approach has been adopted. An element has been developed for modelling a plane group of dowel-type fasteners, taking due account of the material and geometrical non-linearities, and two different elements have been developed for modelling gap closure and contact pressure. All elements developed are compatible with conventional beam elements. An arc-length technique has been adopted for solving the non-linear equilibrium equations in order to take full account of strain softening effects.