NATURAL EXPOSURE COMPARISON OF TIMBER JOINTS BONDED WITH POLYURETHANE ADHESIVE IN TWO CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

The increased use of engineered wood in the built environment is attracting much attention because of the significant sustainable attributes. The formation of high quality reliable structural adhesive bonds is essential during the manufacture of such products. This research examines and compares the performance of bonded European beech and Radiata pine subject to natural weathering, comparing untreated, preservative treated and mineralized wood. Bonded joints were naturally weathered in Slovenia and New Zealand, respectively. The fracture energy was evaluated through Mode I fracture tests using the double cantilever beam arrangement at various ageing stages. FTIR analysis was conducted to assess chemical changes in the adhesives and wood substrate. The research provides insights into the interactions between ageing, wood species, and adhesive performance, enhancing timber structures sustainability.