This paper presents an experimental analysis of the pullout strength of bonded and axially loaded steel rods used as connector elements in log-concrete composite bridge decks. Static and cyclic tests were carried out to evaluate the fatigue of the connectors using two species of reforested wood, three types of commercial adhesives and three levels of wood moisture content. It was found that six failure modes (rod interface failure, timber interface failure, combined timber interface/rod interface failure, combined rod interface/timber substrate failure, rod failure, and adhesive failure) can occur in the geometry of a single test specimen. The results indicate the good performance of epoxy glued steel rod connectors for use in log-concrete composite bridge decks.
pullout strength; bonded-in steel rods; structural adhesives; moisture content
