Investigation of mechanical properties and elucidation of factors affecting wood-based structural panels under embedment stress with a circular dowel i: analysis of the influence of various conditions on the embedment properties

Abstract

Embedment properties are vital to timber structural designs, and many types of wood-based structural panels have been developed for diverse uses. Comprehensive and systematic studies regarding the embedment properties of wood-based structural panels are limited. In this study, a jig that allows the observation of fracture processes is developed, and a monotonic tensile embedment test is conducted on plywood, oriented strandboard (both strong and weak axes), particleboard, medium density fiberboard, and hardboard. The parameters used in the test are the dowel diameter, pilot hole size, and end and edge distances. The effects of these parameters on the embedment properties (i.e., the failure mode, ductility, maximum stress, and yield stress) are discussed comprehensively. The failure mode is determined by the edge distance. At a sufficient edge distance, ductile failure occurs, and the load is maintained until the remaining end distance reaches a certain value. The maximum stress and yield stress are analyzed quantitatively via standardized multiple regression analysis. The results suggest the following: (i) The ratio of the in-plane strength to the internal bond strength is related to the failure behavior; (ii) the dowel diameter, fiber direction, and load levels affect the stress spread pattern of the embedment pressure.