In modern construction, there is a demand for rigorous engineering. This requires a set of data based on experimental results. . In order for us to meet the strict design criteria for modern commercial construction we need to know the parameters of the design material.

The last testing was in July of 2004. In the future we have some more joints we would like to test. Fortunately, interest in Timber Framing is gaining popularity. This is already bringing all kinds of new empirical data for the engineers to formulate.

There are many sources of Data to gather and review concerning wood and its design charachteristics, but nothing beats seeing it for yourself. So, when the opportunity came to have access to the Engineering Lab at Akron University we had some fun and made some test joints. With the assistance of the lab staff we were able to obtain some accurate data.

After time in any field of endeavor, one develops a natural sense of what is required for Design. Our forefathers used this kind of common sense approach hundreds and thousands of years ago with great success.

After correlating the data, we found that the numbers fell within the expected ranges. We were not surprised, but we were pleased to see just how strong these wooden joints are. For instance, as you can see in the sidebar, the Oak pegs actually bend like noodles as the members are pulled apart. This non-shearing action of the peg forces the beam to split by displacing the wood around the peg. In essence, the peg then acts like a wedge.