Shear Force Capacity of H-Type Case Furniture Joints Connected with Solid Wood and Plastic Dowels

Abstract

In this study, shear force capacity of H-type case furniture corner joints connected with dowels were investigated. Specimens were constructed of 16 and 18 mm particleboard (YL) and medium density fiberboard (MDF). In constructing the joints, beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and plastic dowels which were in 8 mm diameter and 30 mm length were utilized. Polyurethane based polidol pu bond (PPB) glue was used as adhesive in the corner joints. Specimens were tested under static shear loads which the joints can be imposed upon them in service. At the end of tests, the highest shear force capacity were obtained with the specimens constructed of 18 mm MDF and connected with beech dowels. According to test results, plastic dowels do not have enough strength to use in case furniture joints so, preferring of beech dowels was recommended for this types of joints. Furthermore, it was determined that the specimens constructed of 18 mm panels were given high strength values than those for the joints constructed of 16 mm panels. However, the specimens constructed of 16 mm MDF were yielded higher results than the specimens consturucted of 18 mm PB.