The effect of end distance on the moment resistance of timber rivet connections

The results of an experimental study on moment connections with timber rivets are reported. The end distance for a four-rivet moment connection is varied in an attempt to determine the effect on the moment capacity and the failure mode. Varying the end distance did not seem to induce the occurrence of a brittle failure mode, but a slight reduction in the strength and stiffness of joint was observed. This was confirmed for specimens made with glued-laminated timber (glulam), laminated-veneer lumber (LVL), and parallel-strand lumber (PSL).Key words: wood, timber, moment, connection, brittle, end distance, glulam and rivet.