Bending strength of gusset-plate joints constructed of wood composites

This study investigated the bending strength of T-type, staple-glued plywood gusset-plate joints constructed of wood composites to provide the background information needed to formulate expressions for predicting the bending strength of the gusset-plate type joints for upholstered furniture frame construction. Test results indicated that the bending strength of gusset-plate joints was significantly affected by gusset-plate thickness, width, and length. Among the plate size parameters, plate width affected joint bending strength the most. The bending strength of joints constructed with 5-inch-wide plates averaged two times as strong as joints constructed of the 3-inch plates for the same plate length and thickness. Joint member material type and the number of staples had no effect on bending strength. The average bending strength of the joints ranged from 6,073 to 18,528 lb.-in. with plate sizes from 1/4 by 3 by 6 inches to 3/8 by 5 by 10 inches. In general, the bending strength of gusset-plate joints could be predicted by means of an expression relating width, length, and thickness.