Performance of TGk dowel connector plates in wooden structure joints under long-term load

The article is devoted to the study of the bearing capacity and deformation of connections of wooden structures using plates with cylindrical TGk dowels of 5 mm diameter under prolonged load action. The deformation properties of connections of wooden structures are studied to a lesser extent, including in the stage of nonlinear creep under long-term load. The purpose of the research is to confirm the operational strength and rigidity of the compounds under consideration. For the theoretical analysis of the work of connections using metal connector plates under prolonged loading, the provisions of the theory of aging of materials are used. For experimental analysis, long-term tests were carried out on samples of pine beams with dimensions of 80 x 80 x 300 mm. All samples were installed under a constant load with different loading levels. The exposure period of the samples was 730 days. As a result of the performed studies, a conclusion was made about a sufficient degree of strength and rigidity of the connections of wooden structures on the TGk metal connector plates. Isochronous curves of deformation of the wood of the dowel hole and the connections themselves for certain moments of time are obtained. A calculated diagram of the deformation of the wood of the dowel hole  and calculated diagram  connections under prolonged loading is constructed. The results obtained are necessary for practical calculations of composite wooden elements with this type of connections, taking into account the time of action of the load.