| Alexandru Mihai BUCALAU1, Dorina Nicolina ISOPESCU2, Nicolae ȚĂRANU3, Alexandrina Elena ANDON4
Abstract. This paper analyzes the influence of moisture content on the behavior and degradation of dovetail timber joints, which are frequently used in traditional structures. These joints rely on a geometric interlocking mechanism and on the interaction between contact surfaces for load transfer. The study highlights the main degradation mechanisms, such as cracking in areas with reduced cross-section and local deformations generated at the contact interfaces. It is shown that variations in moisture content affect the mechanical properties of wood, leading to changes in the structural behavior of the joints. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of moisture cycles on material properties and joint performance, emphasizing their sensitivity to environmental variations. Furthermore, research indicates that load transfer mechanisms are strongly dependent on contact conditions and on the dimensional changes of wood; however, the detailed influence of moisture on dovetail joints remains insufficiently investigated. Keywords: timber joints, dovetail joint, moisture content, structural degradation, joint stiffness. DOI 10.56082/annalsarscieng.2026.2.117 Read full article 1PhD student, Faculty of Architecture G. M. Cantacuzino, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania 2Prof., Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania, Tehnical Science Academy of Romania, 26 Dacia Blvd. 030167, Bucharest, Romania 3Prof., Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania, Tehnical Science Academy of Romania, 26 Dacia Blvd. 030167, Bucharest, Romania, The Academy of Romania Scientists 3 Ilfov Street, Sector nr 5,050663, Bucharest, Romania 4Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture G. M. Cantacuzino, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania |
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Engineering Sciences
ISSN PRINT 2066 – 6950 ISSN ONLINE 2066 – 8570 |
