INVESTIGATION OF OPTIMUM DOWEL SPACING FOR CORNER JOINTS, WHICH ARE REINFORCED WITH GLASS-FIBER FABRIC IN CASE-TYPE FURNITURE

Optimum dowel spacing for corner joints, which are reinforced with glass-fiber fabric in case-type furniture, was investigated in this study. In addition, the effect of dowel spacing, and the number of dowels on the bending moment was examined. Laminated medium-density fiberboard (LMDF) and laminated particleboard (LPB) L-type corner joints were tested under compression load. Dowels and glass-fiber composite layers (glass-fiber fabric) were used as fastener components. This test was carried out on 96, 128, 196, 256, and 320 mm wide specimens that were constructed with 2 and 3 dowels. Tests were carried out according to ASTM D1037, 2006 Standard. The test results were analyzed statistically by a multi variance analysis to examine the effect of the main factors (number of dowel and dowel spacing) and their interactions on the bending moment of the joints. The results show that the optimum dowel spacing is 96 mm in LMDF, and 128 mm in LPB. The stronger joint is obtained when more dowels are used in the joint. The joints with 32- and 64 mm dowel spacings had less strength than the joints with 96- and 128 mm dowel spacing.