AN INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTS OF WOOD SPECIES OF DOWELS AND THE END DISTANCE OF CATCH CONNECTORS (CLAMEX P14) ON THE BENDING MOMENT OF L-TYPE CORNER JOINTS FOR RTA (READY-TO-ASSEMBLE) FURNITURES

摘要

In this study, the effects of the wood species of dowels and the end distance were examined relative to the moment resistance of L-type corner joints with catch connector (Clamex P14) under compression loads. Melamine-coated medium-density fiberboards, catch connector (Clamex P14), and three different wood species of dowels were used as specimen (as used in the furniture industry). L-type joint specimens 297 mm long were tested under static diagonal compression loads for determining the bending moment capacity. The results showed that the Orientalis beech dowel had the highest bending moment resistance under compression. Regarding the end distance, the highest bending moment resistance was obtained from an end distance of 60 mm.