Analysis of poplar timber finger joints by means of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and finite element simulation subjected to tension loading

Abstract Due to the strong demand for wood, and need reduce carbon footprint in construction, fast-growing low-graded planted species like poplar are promising wood supply chain context of engineered products, EWPs. Finger joints constitute a key technology manufacture long structural elements Thus, evaluation mechanical properties finger is important when designing these members. This paper shows results behaviour tension timber I-214 cultivar, specimens with without joints, using experiments monitored by DIC (Digital Image Correlation) simulated Finite Element Method. For moderate intermediate loads, samples showed similar those joints. However, presence fingers decreased modulus elasticity longitudinal direction anywhere from 7.7 23.7%; there was decrease around 27.5% tensile strength. An agreeable correlation between FEM simulations obtained longitudinal, transversal, shear strain fields, thus demonstrating high potential both methodologies.