Effect of end connections on mid-span load capacity of laminated particleboard bookshelves

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of joints on the mid-span load capacity of bookshelves made from laminated particleboard. Twenty types of joints were selected based on their popularity in the cabinet-making industry. Results showed that highest mid-span load capacities were obtained with glued groove joints that included glued wooden dowels. Overall, highest mid-span load capacities were obtained with fixed shelf-joint constructions, whereas lower capacities were obtained with adjustable constructions. Based on its high-load capacity and ease of construction, the spline joint appears best-suited for use by most craftsmen. Statistical lower tolerance limits were used to take capacity variability into account for design purposes. The 75% confidence|75% proportion limits for the glued wood spline and glued fiberboard spline joints were 94% and 93% of average, respectively.