Experimental analysis on T-shaped metallic profile for timber connection

Connecting timber elements has always been a difficult task, regarding both design and construction methods; the innovation in construction products and of the CNC machine has led to the optimization of performance and the time procedures of connection systems. In this paper the results of experimental procedures carried out on T-shaped metallic profile joints are illustrated. The goal is to investigate ultimate behaviour of the joint. To this purpose, two specific test setups have been designed: asymmetric push-out tests, where the load is applied directly to the steel web of the T-shaped metallic profile and where the metallic flange is nailed to a wooden block; symmetric test arrangement, with a timber secondary beam spanning 2 meters, laterally supported by means of the T-shaped metallic profile connected to two transversal timber beams. The profile flange is nailed to the main beam, and the profile web is connected with dowels to the secondary beam.