LAUSR

The penetrated mortise–tenon joint (PMT) connecting column and beam in traditional timber structures often has neighbouring gaps between connected structural members due to initial manufacture errors and damage accumulated over years. Influences of the neighbouring gaps on the mechanical properties of the PMT joint have been analysed based on a full-scale experimental study. Four typical gap values are determined according to the probability analysis of on-site survey results of a Chinese traditional timber structure. Four full-scale models of PMT joints with varied gap values have been established. Failure modes and deformation characteristics have been studied by quasi-static tests. Results show that the failure modes are the tearing of wood fiber along the grain at variable cross-sections. The loose penetrated mortise–tenon (LPMT) joints all have high deformability. The slip distance of tenon grows as the gap value increases. Limit angles of the loose joints lag with the increasing degree of loosening. The bending bearing capacity and rotational stiffness of LPMT joints decrease as the gap value increases, and the limitation value of the gap is analysed. The resisting capacities of LJ-2, LJ-3 and LJ-4 are much lower than that of LJ-1. The changing ratios are 18.5%, 55.4% and 70.4%, respectively. A three-parameter power function model of the mortise–tenon joint with consideration of the neighboring gap is presented. Research results provide important references on the condition assessments of the existing traditional timber structures.