Embedment properties of thermally modified spruce timber with dowel-type fasteners

This study investigates the effect of thermal modification, ThermoWood Thermo-D treatment versus no treatment, on embedment properties Norway spruce timber (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) with dowel-type fasteners. The test specimens were reinforced to prevent splitting wood. influence density, load direction, specimen configuration (full hole half hole), moisture content, gauge points and calculation method also evaluated. Thermal modification primarily affected strength parallel grain, which was ? 25% higher after mainly due change in physical because i.e. lower equilibrium content. investigated parameters thermally modified followed similar trends as for unmodified spruce. It example seen that density–embedment relationships still hold despite decrease density increase grain. However, direction ?30% larger (yield ultimate strength) perpendicular grain ?10% smaller.