Vergussknotenlösungen im Ingenieurholzbau

Grouting joints in timber engineering

Rod- and board-shaped timber members are connected to-gether by mechanical fasteners, often together with steel plates or individual formed steel parts. New sophisticated architectural concepts, complex structures due to digital design processes (parametric design) and new challenges in timber engineering (multi-storey buildings, large scale structures) demand new connecting systems that overcome the well-known disadvantages of conventional timber joints.
The presented work is based on the grouting technology used in reinforced concrete structures, where structural parts are force- and form-fit connected by a combination of starter bars and a backfitting grouting material. For timber structures, the presented grouting joints follow this technology, where the joints are prefabricated and assembled first by technical approved adhesives or screws. Afterwards on site they are coupled with rods, straps or stamped parts and additional grouted. As grouting material a polymer concrete is used with high compression strength and high adhesive bond to timber as well as to steel. Research objective was the development of joints under compression, tension and bending loads that allow a simplified construction and installation process, even for complex geometries. This paper presents first research results and possible applications offered by this technology.