Rotational performance of traditional Nuki joints with gap II: The behavior of butted Nuki joint and its comparison with continuous Nuki joint

Abstract

Nuki joints are often used in oriental carpentry. Various types of Nuki joints have different structural characteristics, which needs further investigation. This article proposes a theoretical model for butted Nuki joints and reports verification of the model by 21 full-scale tests. We then compare the mechanical behaviors of butted Nuki joints with continuous Nuki joints by using the theoretical models proposed in this article and in a previous report. The results show that the initial stiffness and moment resistance of butted Nuki joints are much lower than continuous joints, and the butted Nuki joints have larger initial rotation without any moment resistance. The results of this study help us understand the structural behavior, and to estimate the structural characteristics of butted Nuki joints when carrying out the structural analyses. © 2007 The Japan Wood Research Society.