Determination of shear strength values according to EN 408

This paper presents the results of 382 shear tests carried out according to EN 408. The test pieces consisted of spruce (Picea abies) and varied in density and ring width orientation (radial, tangential and at an angle of 45 deg to the steel plates). In addition pieces containing pith and knots were tested. The paper discusses problems observed when using this test configuration and shows that the test results do not support the characteristic shear strength values as given in EN 338. Moreover, the test results do not support the relationship between characteristic shear strength and characteristic bending strength as given in EN 384.