Effect of bending pattern on finger joint bending strength

Limited information is available on end gluing hardwoods in contrast to softwoods, which have been extensively investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of bending patern on bending strength of finger jointed beech wood. In structural uses finger jointing is finally the major method to end joint timber for the production of glue-laminated elements. There are no bending strength experimental results for finger-jointed hardwoods for investigations conducted in Serbia. Two finger jointed profiles were studied in accordance with DIN68140. The finger joints were made by side and by face of beam. Length jointed samples were loaded at the side and in the face. The obtained results led to the conclusion that the direction of load, gluing surface and the position of joint influence on the strength of continued longitudinal beams.