Shear Resistance and Failure Modes of Edgewise Multiple Tab-and-Slot Joint (MTSJ) Connection with Dovetail Design for Thin LVL spruce plywood Kerto-Q Panels

The objective of this study is to experimentally analyse effects of geometry variations of Multiple Tab and Slot Joint (MTSJ) connection with dovetail design on shear mechanical behaviour. Direct shear test was performed on angular (phi=90°) MTSJ connection made of Kerto-Q 21mm-thick spruce plywood laminated veneer lumber (LVL) panels. Connection was examined in its configuration of three tabs/slots per edge. Nine different geometries of MTSJ connection were tested. In order to provide better understanding of mechanical behaviour of the connection, results were compared with finger joint (F) connection. Two characteristic failure modes were observed. Influence of three theta angles which define geometry of MTSJ connection was analysed concerning shear strength and stiffness. Connection showed very ductile shear behaviour with relatively high stiffness. It has been shown that by increasing θ3 angle above 30°, shear strength decreases. On the other hand, the highest influence on shear stiffness is due to θ2 and θ3 rotations.