Experimental study and theoretical analysis on the rotational performance of large-size glulam bolted joints with slotted-in steel plates

This paper presents a systematic study of the rotational performance of large-size glulam bolted joints (section height of at least 600 mm). The mechanical properties were investigated experimentally considering both the section height and bolt arrangement. All specimens failed with the splitting of the lowest row of bolts, and the numerical model considering splitting failure was validated by experimental results. According to the first position of crack initiation, crack modes were classified as tensile and compressive, and theoretical derivations of the crack moment were proposed. Moment-rotation curves were accurately obtained using the proposed equations of stiffness and moment.