Effects of Geometric Parameters of Structural Elements on Joint Stiffness

Joints are one of the most important issues in the design of furniture structures. Joints in furniture structures made from wood and wood materials represent a critical area because furniture most often breaks at the joints of structural elements. This article discusses the analysis of the effect of selected factors: type of loading (compressive, tensile), wood species (Fagus sylvatica L., Picea abies L.), thickness of joint (one-third and half the thickness of the tenon), type of glue (polyvinyl acetate and polyurethane), and the annual ring deflection, on the elastic stiffness of joints. These results indicated significant effects for the wood species, thickness of joint, and type of glue used. The annual ring deflection was on the borderline of statistical significance, while its effect was more significant than the effect of the basic material characteristic, i.e., the wood density. The type of loading was not statistically significant.