Abstract
To evaluate the strength properties of compressed LVL joints, moment-applying tests of column-to-sill joints and racking tests of box-type timber portal frames composed of compressed LVL plates and compressed LVL pins were done. In the moment-applying tests of the column-to-sill joints, the decrement of the load was small after three static push-pull cyclic loading tests to 1/50 radian of the rotational angle. The load decreased gradually after maximum load and these joints showed good ductility. The joint efficiency was 30% and the ductility factor was 6.97. Linear stress analyses were conducted of the column-to-sill joints based on the shear strength of the pin. The rotational rigidity and the maximum moment calculated by these analyses showed significant correlation with experimental values. In the racking tests of the box-type timber portal frames, the frames showed good ductility similar to the moment-applying tests. The allowable shear strength of the box-type timber portal frames with 2730 mm span and 2730 mm height was 5.7 kN, which was decided by the load corresponding to the shear deformation angle of 1/120 radian. The height of the inflection point of the box-type timber portal frames was approximately central, and the moment acting in the beam-to-column joints and the column-to-sill joints was about the same to the maximum moment in the moment-applying tests.
