Design of stiffened end-plate moment-resisting steel-timber joints with multiple bonded-in rods using the component method

Recognizing the significance of moment-resistant timber joints in the advancement of timber frames characterized by enhanced rotational stiffness, moment resistance, and ductile failure attributes, this paper proposes a comprehensive and straightforward design procedure that applies the component method to estimate the moment resistance, initial rotational stiffness, and rotational capacity of moment-resisting steel-timber joints with stiffened end-plate, steel link and bonded-in rods. Analytical predictions are compared to experimental results derived from full-scale tests of 15 joints, employing conventional transducers in conjunction with digital image correlation techniques. Distinguishing itself from prior investigations, this research examines joints with multiple bonded-in rod arrangements, specifically two and four rows. The findings indicate that the structural performance of these joints is significantly influenced by the rotational stiffness of the link, the thickness of the end plate, and the diameter of the bonded-in rods. The joints demonstrate considerable versatility, permitting design as full-strength, equal-strength, or partial-strength connection, depending on the resistance of the key components. The analytical proposition based on the component method exhibits a good predictive capability regarding joint mechanical capacity for both stiffened and unstiffened end plates with two and four bonded-in rod rows. Moreover, the moment-rotation behavior is effectively represented through a tri-linear approximation, which adeptly captures the initial stiffness and joint moment resistance.