Moelven (Norway)

This experimental investigation has been undertaken with the aim to discuss the current model for compression perpendicular to grain (CPG) proposed in the new Eurocode 5 draft. The current draft present two approaches proposed to assess load-carrying capacity of timber members subjected to CPG with reinforcement (Proposed reinforcement approach) and without reinforcement (New Model). The predictions of existing capacity models are compared to the experimental results of 39 timber specimens, distinguished by different load, screw and geometric configurations. Current capacity models for CPG with reinforcement assume two failure mechanisms, mainly characterized by their location, i.e. the contact area of the applied load (first mode) or the screw tips (second mode). However, the experimental tests reveal that the second mode never occurs despite the model predicting the occurrence of the second mode in more than half of the tested specimens. Additionally, the experimental tests show the fallacy of existing models in accurately estimating the capacity associated with the second failure mode. Parallelly, the model appears to be relatively conservative for the first failure mode.