Results from the first two years of the research project on the performance of structural systems with glulam riveted connections in non-residential buildings are presented in this report. The emphasis is placed on use of glulam rivets in structural systems such as braced frames and moment resisting frames.
Initially a comprehensive literature survey on the topic is given, including the historical development of the fastener and previous research work. This is followed by state-of-the-art information on the static and dynamic behaviour of glulam riveted connections in heavy timber construction. Research results include information from the following phases of the project:
Bending and tension tests to determine the material properties of glulam rivets as fasteners;
Embedment tests of glulam rivets in various wood products parallel, perpendicular and oblique to grain or strand;
Quasi-static monotonic compression tests on small riveted connections in various wood product loaded parallel and perpendicular to grain or strand;
Quasi-static monotonic and cyclic tests on axially loaded members with riveted connections used in braced timber frames;
Progress on the development of an analytical model to predict the resistance of riveted connections subjected to eccentric loading.
The results of the study cover riveted connections used with four different engineered wood products: Glulam, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), and Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL). It should be noted that a comparison of the behaviour of riveted connections in different wood-based products was not the objective of the study. Consequently, the material sampling plan included one manufacturer per product.
The study will help provide relevant information that will be used to produce technical guidelines for design and construction of both types of frames with riveted connections. Such design guidelines and performance characteristics currently exist for structural systems in other construction materials such as steel and concrete, while with exception of wood-frame shear walls, they are virtually nonexistent for other wood–based structural systems.