Analysis of steel bars anchored in wood using structural adhesives

Abstract As a result of prejudice, wood has not been considered a material with outstanding structural applicability, but rather as an environmental villain. However, with the use of reforestation wood, that paradigm is shifting, and the material is starting to be seen an excellent structural material. In structural connections involving wood, glued steel bars are widely used. The anchorage resistance evaluation of the bonded steel bars depends on the adhesive, on the steel bar roughness, the adhesion surface in the anchorage region, wood humidity among other construction factors that can be defined and controlled in the design. This paper also discusses design aspects, application techniques, the mechanical behaviour of the steel bars (diameters of 6.3 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12.5 mm) without galvanizing, bonded with epoxy or polyurethane adhesives on the wooden parts (Pinus oocarpa and Corymbia citriodora) and forms of rupture when subjected to axial efforts (traction and compression) in specimens. In addition, this article also addresses bonding techniques and quality control, as well as the influence of the mechanical properties of wood and the most influential variables in the anchorage steel bars strength. The study concludes that the epoxy adhesive is the best option to be used in this type of application.