Effects of Artificial Weathering on Withdrawal Dowelled Timber Connection Made of Merbau and Chengal Species

• Published in: AIP Conference Proceedings
• Main Author: Ab Rahman P.E.H.; Hassan R.; Natarajan V.D.; Sapuan S.M.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: American Institute of Physics Inc. 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85144056712&doi=10.1063%2f5.0110897&partnerID=40&md5=5f1045084cfbd2f9fb66b3eb7a5d30db

The usage of artificial weathering as an alternative to showing weathering effect with a rapid result has been recognized since 1940. One of the famous artificial weathering machines was QUV Accelerated Weathering Tester which can stimulate sun rays, rain and condensation with UV lights and water spray. This research was aimed to investigate the effects of weathering on the withdrawal performance of dowelled timber connection made from Merbau and Chengal species. The characteristics tested in this study are for dowel materials made of wood and steel. Two sets of blocks of Merbau and Chengal embedded with dowel made from wood and steel were tested using a withdrawal test. Half of the samples undergo artificial weathering using QUV Accelerated Weathering Tester for 672 hours (a month), which is approximately equal to 7 months. The significant findings of this paper were that wood connected with steel dowel has a higher withdrawal capacity than connected with the wood dowel. It demonstrates that the type of dowel significantly affects the withdrawal performance. It is proven that there was a statistical interaction between weathering conditions and dowel type. © 2022 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.