Theoretical estimation of the mechanical performance of traditional mortise–tenon joint involving a gap

Abstract

The mortise–tenon joint, which connects columns and beams of a wooden building, often creates a gap in contact part of members. This gap is considered to affect mechanical performance of the mortise–tenon joint. This study derived a method of theoretical estimation with a gap as parameter for the mechanical performance of mortise–tenon joint. In addition, it experimentally validated the method of estimation and numerically analyzed the influence of a size of such gap on mechanical properties. As a result, the estimated relationship between moment resistance and deformation angle of column shows the agreement with the experimental results, demonstrating validity of the estimation method derived. Results of the numerical analysis quantify the influence of the size of the gap on mechanical properties of the joint. The numerically analysis clarified the large influence of the gap at joints on the mechanical properties.