Splitting strength of beams loaded perpendicular to grain by dowel joints

A linear elastic fracture mechanics model for calculation of the splitting strength of dowel-type fastener joints loaded perpendicular to grain (Van der Put/Leijten model) has previously been presented, and now forms the basis for design in Eurocode 5. The original Van der Put/Leijten model was derived using a number of simplifying assumptions, e.g., that the normal forces in the cracked parts of the beam can be ignored, leading to a solution that does not involve the effect of an initial crack. In the present article an extended version of the Van der Put/Leijten model is derived without any simplifying assumptions, and it is shown that the original Van der Put/Leijten model appears as a special case, namely by assuming that only contributions from shear deformations are significant. The model presented here involves the effect of an initial crack and may be characterized as a generalized linear elastic fracture mechanics model. Results of tests showing the influence of initial cracks of various lengths are presented and compared with the predictions.