Shear strength in joints of Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus elliottii glued with structural adhesive.

Abstract

The present paper reports the results of an investigation regarding the behaviour of Argentinean Eucalyptus grandis glued with adhesives for load-bearing timber structures. An empirical research project was designed for comparing the performance of this species with that of Pinus elliottii, which was considered as a reference species. Joints were tested in longitudinal tensile shear after applying the 3 cycles corresponding to adhesives for indoor climate according to the standard IRAM 45055 (Instituto Argentino de Normalización, 2002b). Results showed a similar behaviour for both species. The performance of joints subjected to different pressure levels did not exhibit important differences. The specimens of Eucalyptus grandis prepared in normal climate, at 20 (±2) ºC temperature and 65 (±5) % relative humidity, showed a similar behaviour to those of the same species prepared in a climate with higher temperature (23 ºC) and relative humidity (84 %).