System Connector “Double Dovetail Tenon”—A Wood–Wood Based Alternative for Connecting CLT-Elements

Abstract

In timber construction, there are still no standardized wall–ceiling system connectors made of wood for cross laminated timber construction (CLT). Based on experimental investigations of the bar-shaped dovetail connections, a wood–wood system connection was developed at the University of Innsbruck. First, the traditional dovetail connection for bar-shaped beam connections was investigated. The findings showed the high potential of force transmission in the flank area, especially for beam connections of the same height, where the height of the pre-timber is too small. To date, the load-bearing capacity of the flanks has not been taken into account in the calculation methods. To increase the force transmission paths in the base of the tenon, it was shaped in steps. This led to a load redistribution and thus delayed the failure of the connection. The knowledge gained formed the basis for an independent connecting element that resulted in the so-called “double dovetail”. The connector is a three-dimensional, statically effective double dovetail element. The wood system connector is made of block-glued laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and is manufactured in a CNC-milling process. The results of the tests showed the high performance potential of the LVL system connector, which can play an important role in future timber construction.