Prediction of L-type mitered joint behavior with linear elastic fracture mechanics: Experimental and numerical modeling

Numerical modeling was used for mitered joints prepared with wood-based composite members (poly(furfuryl alcohol)) using Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). The aim was to understand the joint performance under outdoor conditions. Analysis of fracture mechanics properties of wood-based composite is necessary to obtain a good understanding of joint behavior and to predict the reasons for its fracture. The fracture stiffness of furfurylated wood under mixed mode (I/II) was investigated. In both crack systems, the distribution trends of KIC/KIIC with furfurylation changed. The results of corner mitered joints showed that the mixed mode I/II was the effective fracture mode under diagonal compression (DC) and tension (DT) load. Based on the results obtained from fracture mechanics, the structural performance of mitered joints increased with increasing furfurylation level. The model results confirmed the experimental results.