This paper investigates the mechanical characterisation of a joint, suitable for different configurations within a heavy timber frame, consisting of a wooden element connected to a steel stub by means of an end-plate and glued-in steel rods. This connection system has some interesting properties in terms of mechanical performance, versatility and prefabrication. An analytical model to predict the joint response in terms of its key parameters (e.g. failure mode, ultimate resistance, stiffness and rotation capacity) is proposed and validated through an extensive experimental programme. The component method, originally proposed for semi-rigid joints in steel frameworks, is adapted in order to set up a feasible general model for steel–timber joints, enabling application of the capacity design approach and offering the required ductility for applications in seismic zones. The tests carried out indicate satisfactory agreement between theoretical and experimental results: the reliable prediction of joint failure modes allows design of moment-resistant connections that can sustain high plastic deformation without brittle rupture, with a remarkable degree of global ductility and energy dissipation under alternate loading.

Ductility, which is the capability of a structure to deform significantly beyond the elastic limit without brittle failure, is a fundamental property which can be an impor tant requirement in many instances. In particular, the behaviour of structures under seismic actions depends on the capacity to withstand large displacements in the plastic field without reaching the collapse. Wood suffers from the unfavourable material characteristic that exhibits no (tension) and limited (comp ression) post-elastic deformation capacity. Therefore timber structures rely on steel dowel-type connections to provide ductility and energy dissipation. In general, good performance can be achieved by light timber structures with a large amount of steel connectors, designed to favour steel yielding as the governing mechanism. For heavy timber structures, because of the lower redundancy of the structure, a more "engineered" joint design is needed to ensure a safe performance during seismic events. The research reported in the present paper has been devoted to the investigation of an innovative steel-to-timber joint suitable for different joint configurations within a frame, where a timber element is connected to a steel stub by means of an end-plate and glued-in steel rods. The proposed system has been investigated by means of numerical models and experimental tests, in order to determine strength values and moment-rotation relationships of the joint. Some interesting conclusions can already be drawn from the available experi mental tests, suggesting a possible full implementation of such techniques in seismic resistant timber structures, which is the ultimate goal of the research.

• The Italian wood packaging industry occupies a leading role in Europe and focuses its production on a collection of reference standards that describe the fundamental principles for designing industrial packag

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Bei Brettsperrholz (BSP) handelt es sich um ein Massivholzprodukt, welches in Europa seit mehr als zehn Jahren erfolgreich hergestellt und verwendet wird. Die Vorteile in Bezug auf das Tragverhalten, einen konstruktionsbedingt schnelleren Bauablauf und zunehmende qualitative Anforderungen haben zu einer breiten Anwendung dieses Massivholzprodukts im Wohnungsbau geführt. In diesen Gebäuden erfolgt die Aussteifung gegenüber horizontal einwirkenden Kräften wie Wind und Erdbeben über die Wandscheiben der einzelnen Geschosse, wobei die auftretenden Kräfte (Schubfluss und abhebende Kräfte) mittels metallischen Verbindungsmitteln (Schubwinkel und Zuganker) in die Unterkonstruktion eingeleitet werden. Der Einsatz von mechanischen Verbindungsmitteln wie Nägel und Schrauben in den Fugen (Wand–Wand und Wand–Decke) verleiht dem Gebäude ein in sich steifes Tragverhalten. In den folgenden Abschnitten wird das Grundkonzept für die Bemessung von BSP‐Gebäuden gegenüber Horizontallasten veranschaulicht. Insbesondere wird auf das Tragverhalten der Anschlusssysteme und dabei auf die jüngsten Forschungsprojekte, die im Bereich der theoretischen und experimentellen Untersuchungen an der Universität Trient durchgeführt wurden, eingegangen. Die praktische Anwendung der durchgeführten Forschungsarbeiten wurde durch die Entwicklung eines Software‐Tools für die Bemessung von mehrgeschossigen BSP‐Gebäuden ermöglicht.