Testing of traditional connections in green oak carpentry

Recent renewal of traditional green oak framing in the UK has led to timber pegged mortice and tenon connections being used where no vernacular tradition exists. Contemporary design, in conjunction with higher specifications required for modern buildings, has meant that proof loading or even destructive testing can be required because of the current lack of engineering guidelines for traditional connections. In this paper initial findings are presented from a series of 15 tests investigating the stiffness and ultimate strength, under tension, bending and shear, of traditional pegged mortice and tenon connections in green oak.