Optimisation of bolted timber joints with slotted-in steel plates considering shaped sections

To obtain numerical simulation methods and optimised construction measures applicable to the bolted timber joint with slotted-in steel plates considering the action of shaped sections, the carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)-bolted timber joint with slotted-in corrugated steel plates was proposed. Corresponding research was carried out, mainly considering wavelength, wave height, wave angle, timber thickness, number of layers of CFRP, and the number of bolts. Among them, it was found through experiment research that timber exhibited obvious shear fracture, compression damage, and tangential-longitudinal fracture caused by the shaped cross section, but the radial-longitudinal fracture characteristics have a certain delayed effect; a suitable method of the range coefficient of the wooden foundation was proposed-(min(bolt spacing/d), min(bolt spacing/d)−1) or in (min (bolt spacing/d) + min (bolt spacing/d)−1)/2, and the joint CZM model achieved a better analysis of joint mechanical behaviour. In addition, the effectiveness of annular CFRP and double-layer slotted-in Z-type steel plates configurations for optimising mechanical properties were clarified through parametric analysis, the key parameters were identified and appropriate design measures were proposed, which provide the basis for fracture characterisation, ductility prediction, and design methodology for this type of joint.