Shear strength of timber beams with end splits

Abstract

Timber beams with end splits were investigated in this study to determine their shear strength. Two conditions were considered: a) Group 1 had supports located near the ends with the portion of the beam extending beyond the support, and b) Group 2 had supports located right at the end of the beam subjected to a horizontal split at approximately mid height. In Group 1, seventeen beams were tested under static loading and four were tested in fatigue. In Group 2, nineteen beams were tested under static loading and four under fatigue. In Group 1, eight beams under static loading failed in shear. In Group 2, all beams under static loading failed in shear. Group 1 and Group 2 beams under static load produced average shear strength values of 4.93 MPa and 4.49 MPa, respectively. During fatigue tests, Group 1 sustained more cycles than beams in Group 2.