Experimental assessment of the durability of bonded-in rod joints used in the rehabilitation of timber structures

Abstract

This paper describes the investigation carried out to address existing concerns about the reliability of bonded-in rod joints used in the rehabilitation of timber structures. The investigation assessed the influence of service temperature and humidity, timber species, realistic load history and applied stresses on the performance and durability of two commercial two-component structural epoxy adhesives, as well as their effect on bonded joints. From the investigation it was possible to develop a novel method to assess the long-term behaviour of bonded joints between timber and various adhesives and connecting materials suitable for timber structures rehabilitation. The data collected so far using the RPAT (realistic performance assessment test) appears to indicate that the developed method is assessing correctly the end-use performance for different adhesives as well as for different timbers.