Mechanical performance of mortise and tenon joints pre-reinforced with slot-in bamboo scrimber plates

Abstract

This study was aimed at examining the mechanical performance of mortise and tenon joints reinforced with slot-in bamboo scrimber plates. 27 full-scale specimens were manufactured with engineered wood and bamboo products using computer numerically controlled (CNC) technology, then they were tested under monotonic loading. The initial stiffness and moment carrying capacity of joints with different reinforcing configurations were obtained from the established moment–rotational angle relationships. It was found that the initial stiffness of the reinforced mortise and tenon joints increased by 11.4 to 91.8% and the moment carrying capacity increased by 13.5 to 41.7%, respectively. The total width and grain orientation of the reinforcing plates had significant influence on the mechanical performance of the mortise and tenon joints. Fastening the plates to tenon with dowels was beneficial to the mechanical performance of the joints. The embedment length and adhesive type had no significant influence to the structural performance of the joints. This study demonstrated the feasibility of pre-reinforcing mortise and tenon joints in new timber construction, and could assist to promote the application of mortise and tenon joints in modern timber structures.