Evaluación experimental de conexiones madera - madera con pernos y tornillos en las especies Acacia mangium Willd y Campnosperma panamensis Standl. Bajo carga lateral estática

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the lateral load capacity of wood-to-wood connections fastened with bolts and screws, employing two structural timber species (Acacia mangium Willd. and Campnosperma panamensis Standl.). The objective was to validate the design formulations proposed by the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS) and to assess their applicability and potential adaptation to the Colombian Seismic-Resistant Construction Code (NSR-10). The methodology comprised four phases: connection design according to ASTM standards D5652 and D1761; preparation and assembly of test specimens with commercial connectors supplied by Rothoblaas; static lateral load testing in the laboratory of the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas; and analysis of the results, including determination of yield load, ultimate load, and observed failure modes. Standardized procedures ensured experimental validity, and the results were compared with theoretical design values from the NDS. The results revealed the structural behavior and relative efficiency of the tested connections, indicating a load-bearing capacity greater than that prescribed by the design standards. Furthermore, failure modes not anticipated by the theoretical models were identified, highlighting the importance of incorporating experimental evidence in the review and refinement of structural design codes for tropical timber species.