Tensile Strength Behavior of Finger-Jointed Beech and Oak Wood as Affected by Joint Geometry and Tooth Proportions

Wood finger joints are widely used in both structural timber and high-quality furniture due to their ability to create long, continuous members from shorter pieces. The mechanical performance of these joints depends not only on the wood species but also on the geometry of the interlocking teeth and the quality of the adhesive bond. This study explores how the geometry of finger joints affects the tensile behavior and fracture characteristics of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.). Specimens with varying tooth dimensions were tested using a 50 kN universal testing machine from Shimadzu. Key metrics such as ultimate tensile load, effective cross-sectional area, cohesive stress, energy required to cause failure, and fracture energy (Gc) at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm displacements were systematically measured. The results revealed that beech specimens achieved ultimate tensile loads up to 21,320 N and cohesive stress of 204 MPa, while oak reached 21,631 N with a cohesive stress of 239 MPa. Fracture energy (Gc) values ranged from 0.036 N/mm for beech to 0.051 N/mm for oak, depending on joint geometry. Results show that both the type of wood and the tooth design, including width and length, play a decisive role in joint performance. In general, longer teeth and larger bonded areas improved tensile capacity and increased resistance to fracture. These findings offer deeper insights into the fracture mechanics of hardwood finger joints and provide practical guidance for optimizing glued connections in furniture and structural timber. The collected data can also support accurate modeling, quality assurance, and numerical simulations in future studies.