Failure Modes and Compression Strength of Seven Finger-Jointed Wood Species from Sri Lanka

Finger joint is an established technique to connect small timber pieces in axial direction, creating timber with theoretical infinite length. This study was undertaken to determine the major failure modes and compression strength properties of finger joints in seven Sri Lankan timber species. Two finger lengths (13 mm and 19 mm) were used for experimental analysis on failure modes and compressive tests. Major failure modes of the finger-jointed specimens subjected to compression parallel to grain test are crushing, splitting, shearing and end rolling. Crushing, splitting, and wrinkling are shown in the specimens of compression perpendicular to grain. Significant relationships were observed between density and compression tests of clear and finger-jointed specimens.