Effect of gap infront the finger tip on tensile strength of finger joint / Omar Wahijan

The finger joint are considered as the best configuration of end connection of timber, because their geometrical shape and appearance. The problem in finger joint connection is that the tensile strength is less compared to normal uncut timber member. One of the factor is due to the existing of gaps infront of the finger tip in the finger joint. The gaps are normally filled with glue which is weak in tensile strength. Therefore the gap built up that stresses concentration which may lead to failure of the joint. The project covers the Finite Element analysis of the wood joint under tensile loads with different lap length, tip and gap thickness. The analysis of the wood joints covers the mini finger joint. It was found that the value of stress at location A and B is linearly decreased with the thickness of gap increased. But maximum stress at location C increased with the thickness of gap increased.