Structural Performance of Mengkulang Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Truss Joints using Punched-Metalplate Connections: Experimental and Numerical Study

This study investigated the structural performance of Mengkulang laminated veneer lumber (LVL) truss joints with punched-metal-plate connections, focusing on load-carrying capacity and joint behaviour. The inherent mechanical properties of Mengkulang LVL as a stand alone material such as shear, tensile, and compressive strengths were assessed in accordance with BS EN 408 and ASTM D143. The values were determined based on EN 384 and subsequently used for the numerical analysis of the joints. The joints were evaluated for their load carrying capacity and deformation behaviour under forces applied both parallel and perpendicular to the timber grain according to BS EN 1075 and EN 26891. Results showed a non-linear load-slip relationship, with failures including plate tearing, buckling, and teeth withdrawal due to wood grain failure. Compression joints exhibited ductile behaviour, whereas tension joints displayed brittleness. Numerical validation of the three-dimensional geometry models using ANSYS Workbench showed good agreement with experimental results, with failure evaluations confirming the characteristics of the joints. The validated models facilitated a parametric study on plate orientation at the heel joint. Future research should enhance numerical analysis approaches and consider additional parameters.