Mechanical Model of Exposed-Dowel Half-Through Tenon Joints in Chinese Traditional Timber Structures Subjected to Bending

Abstract

ABSTRACT The exposed-dowel half-through tenon (EHT) joint is a common and important connection configuration in southwest China. However, deformation and looseness in the EHT joint constitute the primary causes of failure in the joint connection performance. In this study, a mechanical model of the joints under bending was established and analyzed. The geometric, physical, and equilibrium equations were constructed, the bending moment-rotation relationship was obtained, and the bending moment-rotation envelope curve and the flexural capacity were calculated. A low cycle reciprocating experiment of the EHT joint was conducted to measure the moment-rotation hysteretic curve and envelope curve of the joints. A comparison of the envelope curves calculated using the model and test curves was conducted, and the results showed that the calculation curve was in good agreement with the test curve. The ultimate bending capacity errors of the joint in the forward loading stage and reverse loading stages were 11.2 and 5.8%, respectively. A parametric analysis of the joint using the established mechanical model showed that increasing the diameter of the wooden pillar and the width of the tenon greatly improved the flexural capacity of the joints while increasing the height of the small tenon and reducing that of the joints during the reverse loading stage. These research results provided a reference for the new construction and restoration of the Drum Towers in southwest China.